Homelessness
Ensuring Every Neighbor has a Path Home
Homelessness in Baltimore County is a growing crisis that is too often overlooked. Rising housing costs, limited affordable housing options, mental health and substance use challenges, domestic violence, and economic instability have left many residents without stable housing or reliable support systems.
Baltimore County provides important homelessness services through coordinated entry, shelters, rapid rehousing programs and community partners. However, access to these resources remains fragmented and uneven across the County. Many residents must navigate a complex network of agencies and referrals to receive assistance, while service gaps persist in underserved areas such as communities north of Towson.
Homelessness is more than just a housing issue. It is a public health, economic, and community issue that requires coordinated action and compassionate leadership.
Our Approach
Expanding access to shelters, transitional housing and permanent housing pathways across Baltimore County would create a more connected and effective support system for residents experiencing homelessness. By increasing access to resources throughout the County, including underserved areas north of Towson, we can ensure vulnerable populations are not left without support simply because of where they live.
By leveraging partnerships between County agencies, nonprofits, veterans organizations, healthcare providers and community institutions, we can strengthen existing programs while creating clearer pathways toward long-term stability. Connecting housing solutions with supportive services will help veterans, women, families, seniors and residents facing mental health or substance use challenges move from crisis toward permanent housing and independence.
The Plan
Establish a Baltimore County Commission on Homelessness
We will create a countywide Commission on Homelessness composed of representatives from shelters, housing providers, healthcare systems, veterans organizations, domestic violence service providers, nonprofits, faith communities, community organizations and County agencies.
Nick will:
- Create Accountability: Establish a countywide Commission on Homelessness to coordinate policy, assess needs and guide long-term strategy.
- Set Clear Goals: Publish annual recommendations and measurable benchmarks to reduce homelessness and improve access to services.
- Reduce Preventable Deaths: Establish a goal of reducing the annual fatality rate among unhoused residents to zero through supportive services, outreach and intervention.
Assess Countywide Needs
Effective policy starts with understanding where resources are needed most.
Nick will:
- Understand the Need: Conduct a countywide assessment of shelter capacity, transitional housing availability and unmet needs.
- Identify Service Gaps: Evaluate gaps in services for veterans, women and families fleeing domestic violence, seniors and other vulnerable populations.
- Support Underserved Areas: Identify communities, particularly north of Towson, where homelessness resources remain limited and develop strategies to close those gaps.
Coordinate Housing and Support Services
Homelessness cannot be solved through fragmented programs operating in isolation.
Nick will:
- Coordinate Services: Strengthen partnerships between County agencies, nonprofits, shelters, healthcare providers, veterans organizations and community groups.
- Modernize Access: Improve coordination and data-sharing so residents can more easily navigate housing and support programs.
- Connect People to Resources: Link residents with workforce development, mental health treatment, addiction recovery services, case management and domestic violence support.
Expand Shelter and Transitional Housing
Residents in crisis need safe and reliable places to turn.
Nick will:
- Expand Shelter Access: Support the growth of emergency shelters, transitional housing and short-term stabilization programs throughout Baltimore County.
- Develop New Partnerships: Work with nonprofits, community organizations and public-private partners to identify opportunities for new shelters, service hubs and supportive housing.
- Improve Housing Continuity: Create stronger connections between emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent housing opportunities.
Prioritize Vulnerable Populations
Some residents face unique barriers that require targeted support and intervention.
Nick will:
- Support Veterans: Expand partnerships and services that help veterans experiencing homelessness access housing and support. See more about how Nick will support veterans.
- Protect Families in Crisis: Prioritize housing and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, women with children and families facing housing instability. Learn more on Nick’s support for women.
- Serve Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities: Improve access to housing and support services for residents facing age-related, physical or mental health challenges. Learn more about Nick’s plans for our Seniors and those with disabilities.
- Address Behavioral Health Needs: Connect residents experiencing mental health and substance use challenges with treatment, recovery services and long-term support. Learn more about Nick’s mental health platform.
Build Permanent Housing Pathways
Emergency services alone are not enough. The goal must be long-term stability and independence.
Nick will:
- Build Permanent Pathways: Connect homelessness initiatives with our broader affordable housing strategy to move residents into stable, permanent homes. Learn more about Nick’s vision for housing and communities.
- Align Housing and Opportunity: Coordinate housing investments with workforce development, education and economic opportunity programs. Learn more about Nick’s plan for the economy.
- Strengthen Long-Term Success: Support partnerships that help residents maintain stable housing and achieve lasting independence.
Our Vision
Baltimore County can build a homelessness response system that ensures no resident is left without shelter, support or a pathway toward stability.
Families fleeing crisis, veterans returning home, seniors facing housing insecurity and residents struggling with housing instability should be able to access the resources they need regardless of where they live in the County.
Through coordinated action, expanded partnerships and long-term housing investments, we will create a system that identifies needs, expands access to resources and holds government accountable for results.