Howard County's “Path Toward Zero” Plan To End Homelessness

Howard County is reshaping its homelessness response system with the release of a new five-year strategic plan designed to streamline services, expand housing options, and strengthen prevention efforts.

Howard County has released a new roadmap to strengthen its homelessness response system and move the community toward “functional zero,” the point at which the number of residents experiencing homelessness consistently remains below the county’s ability to house them. This roadmap builds on the draft plan that MACo previously covered.

The Path Toward Zero: Howard County’s Strategic Plan to End Homelessness 2025-2030 lays out a coordinated, five-year strategy to reduce the length of time residents experience homelessness and expand access to effective, person-centered housing solutions.

Announced by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the plan reflects a multi-year partnership between the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development and the Coalition to End Homelessness. The initiative builds on prior progress, including the expansion of emergency shelter capacity and new investments in non-congregate shelter.

From the press release:

This week brings with it a renewed commitment to not only respond to homelessness, but to reimagine what is possible as we strive to end homelessness in Howard County. The Path Toward Zero builds upon our progress already made and further lays the foundation for transformative, long-term solutions that ensure everyone in Howard County has a place to call home, said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

The Path Toward Zero outlines several core goals to strengthen the homelessness response system over the next five years:

Restructuring the coordinated entry and assessment processes to increase access to appropriate services;
Expanding prevention and diversion strategies to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness; and
Scaling effective housing interventions that lead to permanent housing solutions.

The Coalition to End Homelessness will also broaden its At-Large membership to include additional community partners, thereby increasing collaboration across sectors.

Howard County will share annual updates on progress toward functional zero on the County’s DHCD Homeless Services webpage, where the full plan is also available. Residents and partners can find additional information on homelessness services and affordable housing initiatives on the same website.

Read the full press release.

At the 2025 MACo Winter Conference Human Services session, “County Solutions to Safeguard Local Communities ,” panelists will explore county models that provide holistic support for families at risk of separation, efforts to prevent exploitation through targeted permitting and licensing reforms, and comprehensive plans to reduce homelessness through coordinated housing and social services.

The 2025 MACo Winter Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD, from December 10-12, 2025. This year’s theme is “Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Shaping What’s Next.” More information can be found on our conference website.