Demographics of Unhoused Populations in MD Are Coming Into View

Students and older residents experiencing homelessness in Maryland has increased, while federal funding for supportive programs remains in question. 

A recent Baltimore Sun article highlighted the challenges that homeless youth are experiencing in Maryland and how housing affordability is compounding the problem. From the report:

She is one of thousands of students who have become homeless since 2019. In that time, Maryland has seen a 24% rise in homeless students during that time, due to ever-increasing rental and housing costs.

A Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) report from the end of 2024, and covered by Maryland Matters, highlighted what appears to be alarming rates of older residents also experiencing housing instability.

This comes at a time when federal programs at the US Department of Education and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development are in question, along with grant funds for services. Under these circumstances Maryland is not the only state experience an uptick in youth homelessness. California’s Governor recently sent another allotment of grant funds – $56M – to local governments to help combat the problem by encouraging more local engagement with actual resources.

While the larger, statewide human service and social service programs are mostly state run in Maryland, many counties have established programs locally to assist in those efforts. One recent example was covered on Conduit Street, with Howard County launching an aggressive new five-year plan to end homelessness in the jurisdiction by 2030.

Local law enforcement agencies also are pitching in by establishing law enforcement assisted diversion for unhoused populations. In cases like Worcester, the Sheriffs department directly partners with non-profits who send employees on calls with officers to assist and connect the individuals with resources.

A 2025 MACo Summer Conference panel will dive into this exact topic, and highlight statewide initiatives from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as from representatives in Baltimore City, Howard, and Worcester. “Housing for All − Part 2: Supportive Strategies for Stable Communities,” will feature a panel of experts to share what they are doing to meet vulnerable populations where they are as well as get them into stable and long-term housing. The session will take place Friday, August 15, from 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm.

The 2025 MACo Summer Conference will be held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD from August 13-16. This year’s theme is “Funding the Future.” More information can be found on our conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: