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Prince George's County outlines shelter capacity and housing stabilization services: 400 beds, hotline and hypothermia plan
Summary
County housing staff described prevention programs, a 24/7 homelessness hotline, six shelters totaling about 400 beds, rapid rehousing and supportive programs, and outreach steps to boost awareness of local services.
Prince George's County social services officials told the county council and regional guests that the county operates a housing stabilization services division that provides prevention supports, shelter access and CoC‑funded housing programs aimed at reducing homelessness.
Erica Turner, Deputy DCAO for Health, Human Services and Education, said prevention includes a state‑issued rental and utility assistance program and a single online 'one application' at benefits.maryland.gov for residents seeking multiple benefits. The county operates a 24/7, year‑round homelessness hotline and maintains six shelters (including domestic violence and youth shelters) that together offer roughly 400 beds; staff described frequent capacity constraints and the deployment of an inaugural hypothermia plan to expand capacity when temperatures drop below 32°F.
Turner said each shelter client receives case management and that the county uses a mix of rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing for youth (ages 13–26) and first‑month rent/security deposit assistance to move residents to permanent housing. She acknowledged public confusion about available services and described ongoing outreach plans — social media, partnerships with police and expanded street outreach — to make resources more visible.
Council questions focused on how to market shelters more effectively, current occupancy and the potential for mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions to manage overflow. Turner said the county is often at or near capacity and emphasized the need for continued coordination on both prevention and housing production to reduce demand on shelters.
Next steps identified during the session included improved cross‑jurisdictional outreach, a point‑in‑time count to clarify needs, and coordination with regional partners to mitigate funding threats from anticipated HUD changes.
