County says SHARP housed hundreds but shelter capacity and motel spending strain budgets
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Summary
County staff told the Health & Human Services committee the SHARP program housed 795 people in 2025, but inflow of families and motel/overflow spending has already exhausted some budgets and officials estimate needing additional funding and 127 rooms on average to meet family shelter demand.
Montgomery County officials told the Health & Human Services Committee that their short-term housing program has produced measurable housing exits, but that rising inflow, motel spending and shelter capacity constraints are putting pressure on local budgets.
Beth Viggers, permanent housing administrator, reported that SHARP (Short Term Housing and Resolution Program) provided 12 months of full rental assistance and navigation services and has housed 795 adults and children in 2025, with 95 new households since July. Christine Hong and SEF staff praised the program’s rapid exits to housing while cautioning that inflow remains high: staff showed an inflow–outflow chart showing an average of about 28 families entering the system each month.
Councilmember Marceles noted the county’s FY26 motel line was budgeted at about $800,000 but that roughly $1.2 million had already been spent in the first three months of the fiscal year. Deputy Chief Diana Pina and Denise Anderson said the county’s motel and SHARP funds are already expended for the current year and estimated the county may need roughly $4 million more over the next year for motel/overflow sheltering; staff also estimated a planning average of about 127 rooms to meet family shelter demand.
Staff described strategies intended to reduce reliance on motels, including expanded diversion (short-term 1–3 month supports), targeted rental assistance, eligibility exceptions in limited cases, and increased use of other housing options beyond SHARP. Anthony Young and other staff said eligibility for housing stabilization was expanded to 60% area median income after a small budget increase, increasing the pool of households who can receive assistance.
With winter weather approaching, staff said overflow sheltering has already begun (Nov. 1) at Neville Street and Progress Place and that overflow resources are near capacity; they are coordinating with Shepherd’s Table for extra space and increasing security at Progress Place. Staff asked the public to support holiday giving and mentor-type volunteer activities and provided contact lines for reporting or helping: the homeless information line at (240) 907-2688, 311 for general resources and 988 for behavioral health support.
Committee members expressed support for continued county funding and regional collaboration. No formal votes were taken; staff said they will return with updates as contingency planning and budget adjustments proceed.