Non-profits rejoice as the Homeless Shelter Certification Bill gets voted down

MARYLAND – Legislation that would have put stricter requirements on Homeless shelters has been voted down.

Senate Bill 234 and House Bill 93 would have required homeless shelters to adhere to a certification program requiring them to be compliant and licensed under the Department of Housing, something the shelters said Violates their rights.

Shelter Security

There are currently two homeless facilities: HALO, which stands for Hope and Life Outreach, and the Christian Shelter. Celeste Savage, Executive Director of HALO, said in past interviews this could cause security concerns in part quote, “Anybody would be able to come, even if they’re drinking… if you’re working with individuals to help them come off of drugs, that could be a trigger.”

Sneaky Submissions

Pastor Anthony Dickerson of the Christian Shelter says he’s happy this part is over, but because of the way they initially submitted this, he’s not so sure this is over. “The last time this bill was up, it was supposed to go for a study, and they only contacted the shelters that receive government funds, they didn’t contact the faith-based shelters… I don’t think this is the end of these bills. I think they’re going to try to pass it again.”

Community Conversation

Dickerson said his message to the Department of Housing, is if they truly want to pass this bill, sit down with the taxpayers, and actually have a conversation, since it will be the taxpayers’ dollars that will fund this effort. The Christian Shelter wants to thank all of the delegates who supported them thus far and says he’ll be ready for whatever legislation is thrown at them next.