# Housing and Community Development (GHS)

## Title 4. Division of Development Finance

### Subtitle 21. Interagency Council on Homelessness

#### Section 4-2101

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Continuum of Care" means a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals.

(c) "Council" means the Interagency Council on Homelessness.

#### Section 4-2102

There is an Interagency Council on Homelessness.

#### Section 4-2103

(a) The Council consists of the following members:

  (1) the Secretary of Aging, or the Secretary's designee;

  (2) the Secretary of Budget and Management, or the Secretary's designee;

  (3) the Secretary of Health, or the Secretary's designee;

  (4) the Secretary, or the Secretary's designee;

  (5) the Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary's designee;

  (6) the Secretary of Labor, or the Secretary's designee;

  (7) the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or the Secretary's designee;

  (8) the State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent's designee;

  (9) the Secretary of Transportation, or the Secretary's designee;

  (10) the Secretary of Veterans and Military Families, or the Secretary's designee;

  (11) the Secretary of Juvenile Services, or the Secretary's designee;

  (12) the Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary's designee; and

  (13) the following members, appointed by the Governor:

    (i) one representative of the Governor's Office for Children;

    (ii) three representatives of local Continuums of Care;

    (iii) nine representatives from diverse geographical regions of the State engaged in homeless advocacy with a focus on housing, employment, and access to health care; and

    (iv) one community representative who has personally experienced homelessness.

(b) The Governor may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct.

#### Section 4-2104

The Secretary, or the Secretary's designee, shall serve as chair of the Council.

#### Section 4-2105

(a) A majority of the members then serving on the Council is a quorum.

(b) The Council shall determine the times and places of its meetings.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a member of the Council:

  (1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but

  (2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(d) A member of the Council appointed under Sec. 4-2103(a)(13)(iii) or (iv) of this subtitle who is currently experiencing homelessness or has lived experience of homelessness is entitled to:

  (1) reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget; and

  (2) reasonable compensation for the member's services as determined by a compensation policy administered by the Department.

#### Section 4-2106

The Department shall provide staff for the Council.

#### Section 4-2107

The Council shall: 

(1) coordinate State policy and working relationships among State, local, and nonprofit agencies concerning efforts to remedy and prevent homelessness;

(2) coordinate data sharing between local Continuums of Care;

(3) coordinate outreach to each Continuum of Care to develop joint strategies that impact State and federal funding efforts to remedy and prevent homelessness;

(4) determine comprehensive and effective collaborative strategies and best practices for remediation and prevention of homelessness in the State, in particular addressing the differing needs of the State's geographic areas;

(5) review and analyze the need for and availability of affordable and accessible housing resources to address the needs of homeless individuals throughout the State;

(6) recommend changes necessary to alleviate or prevent homelessness, including making recommendations annually to the General Assembly, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article, and appropriate State agencies and organizations regarding effective policies, effective distribution of resources, and access to available services and programs;

(7) identify supportive services for special populations, including veterans, youth, families, and individuals with behavioral health problems;

(8) disseminate information and educate the public about the prevalence and causes of and responses to homelessness;

(9) solicit input from the advocacy community, the business community, the faith community, and consumers regarding policy and program development; and

(10) determine best practices and models for providing emergency shelter and shelter diversion, including ensuring the health, safety, and security of shelter residents, providing client-centered and trauma-informed support services, and ensuring equal access to protected classes under applicable federal, State, and local civil rights laws.

#### Section 4-2108

The Department shall adopt regulations to govern the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs to make homelessness rare and, if it occurs, of brief duration.

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Md. Code Ann., Hous. & Cmty. Dev. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)