Calvert Safe Housing Network seeks $277,500 from county to operate survivor shelter and resource center

The Calvert Safe Housing Network on Jan. 13 presented its program activities since beginning direct services in May 2025 and requested county support to sustain and expand operations.

Executive director Peg Haskelow (presented as Peg Haskelow/Haskell in the record) said the nonprofit has served 31 adult survivors and 21 children, answered 112 crisis calls, provided approximately 1,150 safe nights and helped more than 40% of clients secure permanent housing. The organization seeks a FY27 budget of $926,250 and requested $277,500 from the Board of County Commissioners to support the transition and operation of the Safe Harbor shelter beginning July 2026.

Jennifer Moreland of the Department of Community Resources told commissioners the county’s proposed allocation matches previous funding for Safe Harbor and will continue through the transition; the remainder of the nonprofit’s projected budget would come from state grants, foundations and fundraising. Commissioners thanked the nonprofit and department staff and asked questions about shelter capacity, eligibility and coordination; presenters said Safe Harbor has a 25‑bed capacity (eight rooms) and that hotels are used when necessary for safety, eligibility or capacity constraints.

The presentation was informational; the board did not take an immediate funding vote at the meeting but discussed continuity of county support and next steps for a transitional housing plan and resource center.