Local nonprofit urges Montgomery County to fund transitional housing after documenting more than 100 people facing housing insecurity

Judith Chappell, speaking for Hope for the Homeless Montgomery, told the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 18 that the group had documented about 103 county residents facing housing insecurity and urged the board to include the nonprofit in the county's 2026 budget.

"Montgomery County must now recognize the profound and immediate humanitarian needs facing our neighbors," Chappell said, describing a caseload that included adults, 37 minors, families with as many as nine members living in cars, and people with serious health and mental-health needs. She told the board the nonprofit has assisted in securing housing for 20 individuals so far and relies on existing programs such as rapid rehousing and Section 8.

Chappell outlined a proposed transitional supportive service: a time-limited (90-day) occupancy model paired with high-quality case management intended to move Montgomery County residents into stable housing. Her proposed rules call for program participants to contribute a portion of income where possible, follow a case-management plan and participate in employment and recovery goals; she also described dismissal causes including substance use or aggressive behavior. Chappell said the organization was exploring using the former Masonic Lodge on Yondorado Street as a program site and asked the board for assistance with zoning and funding.

County staff and commissioners asked for budget details and documentation. A county official told the board staff would look at whether opioid settlement funds under the memorandum of understanding with First Health could be used to support housing and peer-support roles; staff said such funds often require a treatment or recovery element but could be a potential source of annual allocations. Chappell said she had submitted paperwork to form a 501(c)(3) and would provide the board with a draft budget and supporting materials.

Chappell also described operational needs: volunteers, building repairs, transportation and master's-level interns to support assessments and case-management work. She closed by formally requesting that the board add Hope for the Homeless Montgomery to the county's 2026 line-item budget to support a transitional housing program.

The board did not take a formal vote on Chappell's funding request at the Nov. 18 meeting. County staff requested budget materials from the nonprofit and identified possible internal funding and grant avenues to explore, including opioid settlement funds that the county already uses for peer-support services.