WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor Ch. 702

CHAPTER 702

(House Bill 1172)

AN ACT concerning

Homelessness - Uniform Reports

FOR the purpose of requiring the Department of Human Resources to
adopt certain regulations governing the implementation and
evaluation of certain programs and services for homeless
individuals; requiring that the regulations include uniform
reporting requirements; and generally relating to regional
data on homelessness.

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,

Article 88A - Social Services Administration

Section 132

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1985 Replacement Volume and 1986 Supplement)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 88A - Social Services Administration

Section 133

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1985 Replacement Volume and 1986 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, There are more homeless people in Maryland and
throughout the United States than at any time since the
depression of the 1930's. The homeless population is now more
diverse and includes individuals and families who are without
shelter for a variety of reasons. Shelter providers report
increasing numbers of the "new poor"; and

WHEREAS, A study of homelessness in Maryland noted that in
Maryland, where the homeless population closely resembles that of
other states, racial minorities are disproportionately
represented, and 48 percent of the homeless seeking services are
in this group though they comprise only 23 percent of the State's
population; and

WHEREAS, Approximately one-third of the homeless population
served in FY85 reported problems with alcohol or drug abuse, and
one-fourth of the total reported mental illness—sizable
percentages, but not the majority, as many people believe, and
families represent 28 percent of the homeless served and people
30 years old and under represent 58 percent the largest subgroup;
and

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