Worcester County looking into a proposed encampment ordinance impacting the homeless

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – The Worcester County Commissioners’ most recent meeting in Maryland included discussions on issues concerning homelessness. The proposed plan is an ordinance where sleeping on public property can go from a civil infraction to now a criminal misdemeanor.

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli believes this will open pathways for cops to have better enforcement. “It gives law enforcement more of an avenue to take action, and again, I think our focus is getting resources to help this population.”

The possibility of this new sleeping ordinance is due, to issues of trespassing and disturbing the public in the county. Officials say they are looking for new solutions. Commissioner Chip Bertino said things have gotten out of hand.

“We have had situations where some homeless people have been aggressive, and we certainly don’t want that. We expect residents and property owners to obey the law, and so do the homeless.”

According to the Department of Social Services, in 2024, 31 people were identified as living without shelter. Bertino doesn’t want to criminalize vulnerable people, he wants to connect them with resources.

“We want to ensure that we have the best services available regarding the social programs available to the homeless. We want to make sure they are aware of it and to encourage them to take advantage.”