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Montgomery County Council approves $3.6 million supplemental to expand homelessness prevention and shelter programs
Summary
After a public hearing with providers and residents, the Council unanimously approved Special Appropriation 25-42 to add $3.6 million in general funds to DHHS programs including SHARP, eviction prevention, and RAP to serve households on waiting lists and expand eligibility.
The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $3.6 million supplemental appropriation (Special Appropriation 25-42) to expand county programs aimed at preventing and ending homelessness.
The action followed a public hearing in which housing counselors, nonprofit leaders and residents urged the council to restore funding and expand eligibility for the Rental Assistance Program (RAP), eviction-prevention services, and the short-term housing and resolution program (SHARP). "Many low income residents in our county are facing eviction," HUD-certified counselor Sonia Posada said, adding that clients routinely hit the $3,000 cap in social-service referrals and need additional supports.
Why it matters: County and provider testimony described rising eviction filings and increases in homelessness that providers say are overwhelming existing services. Mary Koehler of the Montgomery Housing Alliance said eviction filings rose from roughly 2,500 in FY21 to more than 8,200 in FY24 and noted a 23% increase in unsheltered homelessness in the past year.
During the hearing Chief Christine Hong, who leads Services to End and Prevent Homelessness, outlined how the appropriation would be allocated: $1.6 million to resume SHARP operations for up to six months and house motel-placed families, $1.1 million to expand eviction-prevention eligibility from 30% AMI to 60% AMI, and $367,584 to reopen RAP and serve 139 households on the program waiting list. "If we are successful, we would prevent up to 170 families from experiencing the trauma of homelessness," Chief Hong said.
Council discussion focused on program design and fiscal mechanics rather than policy objections. Director Bridges and other staff noted that parts of the appropriation cover one-time start-up for SHARP and that sustaining the program beyond the six-month window would require additional FY26 funds. After brief staff remarks, Councilmember Mink moved approval; Councilmember Sales seconded. The president called for those in favor to raise their hands and reported the voice vote as unanimous.
What’s next: The appropriation takes immediate effect for the FY25 operating budget. Staff said implementation will prioritize families in motels and those closest to shelter entry; Council members asked for follow-up reporting on enrollment, costs and exits to housing.
Sources: Public hearing testimony; remarks by Chief Christine Hong and Director Bridges; Council motions and voice vote.
