Increase the stock of affordable and subsidized housing for all of our County’s citizens

Interagency Housing Workgroup and Affordable Housing Taskforce appointed. Developed 40 new housing units. Convened group of experts to review existing zoning laws and policies and forwarded recommendations to County Executive, County Council, the Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee of the County Council and to Park and Planning (M-NCPPC). Held focus groups with developers to identify impediments to development of affordable/subsidized housing (through Leadership Montgomery) and forwarded recommendations to PHED Committee and M-NCPPC. Created County-funded deep rental subsidy program. Created an affiliate organization, Coalition Homes, Inc., which owns and manages property providing permanent housing for formerly homeless individuals and families. Expanded the permanent supportive housing program, Partnership for Permanent Housing, to serve 137 households.

Improve wages and work supports so that people can afford housing and provide better support services for economically disadvantaged and disabled people

Provided longer and deeper rental subsidies. Continued to monitor federal, state and local legislation and alert interested parties to encourage action on range of issues including wage, health care, unemployment and childcare. Held informational meeting on available job training programs. State passed living wage bill, which sets up two pay grades for workers of companies with state service contracts - at least $11.30 an hour in the Baltimore-Washington area and $8.50 an hour in rural areas. Received funding from the County to open the Men’s Emergency Shelter during day and provide on-site vocational training. Secured funding for HealthCare for the Homeless to provide better healthcare to people experiencing homelessness and expand sites for mobile care. Developed plan for HealthCare for the Homeless.

Prevent entry to homelessness

Changed current eviction notice posted by sheriff to include additional resources for people at risk of losing housing. Created the Creative Housing Initiative Pilot Project (CHIPP) to address housing needs of high end users of a variety of public systems of care including the emergency medical system and the local corrections system. Launched a County-wide Housing First pilot, with its implementation emphasizing prevention.

Reduce barriers to people exiting homelessness quickly

Developed a housing first program (Partnership for Permanent Housing). Conducted a one year pilot rapid re-housing project to help people experiencing homelessness navigate the rental market and overcome barriers to housing. Received funding to hire consultant to implement Housing First for the homeless system. Began development of pilot for implementing Housing First in family homeless system. Developed appropriate community resources for people needing treatment for mental health or substance abuse. Supported mental health community in development of continuum of housing options (ex. Gallery at White Flint).

Raise public awareness about homelessness, its prevalence in Montgomery County, its impact and potential solutions

Produced and ran radio spots to raise awareness about homelessness. Continued to educate children and adults about homelessness.   Increased outreach to business community and other community groups.