CPS-Programs

|2002 Legislative Agenda|

Briefing Sheet:

EMERGENCY SHELTER AND

TRANSITION HOUSING

FACTS

The ETHS program was first established in 1984 to provide state funding to meet the increasing need for emergency shelter and transitional housing for people who had become homeless.

The ETHS program has only had an 11% increase in funding over the last 11 years, while occasions of people being turned away from shelters has increased by 35%.

According to the Department of Human Resources, 43% of people served at shelters during FY 98 were families with children.

Recommendations:

Increase the Emergency and Transitional Housing & Services (ETHS) Program by $1 million for FY 2002.

Action:

Urge the Governor to make operating funds for emergency shelter and transitional housing a priority by putting $1 million in the supplemental budget for the ETHS Program, and urge legislators to support this funding.

Relevant Committees:

House Appropriations and Senate Budget & Taxation.

BACKGROUND

The state Emergency and Transitional Housing and Services Program is currently funded at $3.5 million and operated by the Department of Human Resources. It is the primary source of state operating funds for emergency shelter and transitional housing programs in Maryland.

These programs are the "safety net" for many Marylanders who otherwise would be sleeping on the streets.

Throughout the state providers are seeking additional funding to meet the increases in the numbers of people, especially families, who have become homeless.

For more information on how to get involved, contact Tracy Newsome-Smith at 410- 366-0600, x111.

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The Center for Poverty Solutions

2521 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21218

410-366-0600