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Maryland panel weighs creating first statewide homeless-shelter certification and minimum-standards program
Summary
Department of Housing and Community Development proposed House Bill 93 to create a state certification and regulatory framework for homeless shelters, citing deaths and inconsistent practices; supporters urged a favorable report while some faith-based operators warned of burdens and possible bed losses.
The House Environment and Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 93 on shelter certification, a proposal that would require Maryland to set minimum operating standards and a certification process for homeless shelters statewide.
The bill was presented by Jake Day, secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, who said the department is proposing “a first homeless shelter certification process and minimum standards, [and] a regulatory framework to ensure safe, equitable, and trauma‑informed care.” He added that “every year in Maryland, over 25,000 Marylanders will experience homelessness and sleep in a shelter or outside in the elements.”
The measure’s supporters said state oversight is necessary because shelter practices now vary with funding sources and local policies. Secretary Lourdes Roque of the Maryland Department of Aging told the committee older adults are a growing share of those using shelters: “Between fiscal ’18 and fiscal ’23, Maryland…
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