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Tag: dc area homelessness

  • Planned federal cuts may hurt the most vulnerable in Montgomery County – WTOP News

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    Montgomery County leaders are concerned about a proposed cut in funding to a federal rental assistance program and the effect it could have on unhoused people in the county.

    Montgomery County leaders are concerned about a proposed cut in funding to a federal rental assistance program and the effect it could have on unhoused people in the Maryland county.

    Congress is proposing a 70% cut in the federal Permanent Supportive Housing program, which works to place individuals experiencing homelessness into stable, permanent housing.

    According to a Montgomery County report presented at Thursday’s Health and Human Services Committee meeting, a reduction of that size would result in a $17 million loss in rental assistance over three years in the Maryland county.

    If additional dollars are not found, hundreds of people could be out on the streets.

    “A 70 percent reduction would decrease the number served by an estimated 559 people, leaving
    capacity to serve 240 people,” the report states.

    Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart calls the proposed cuts “awful and cruel.”

    “These are our families, people who live in our community, who are being evicted, who had stable housing and now won’t,” Stewart said.

    Montgomery County Health and Human Services Director Christine Hong said her department is trying to figure out how to make local dollars stretch if the cuts go into effect.

    “As much as the challenges are really formidable and unprecedented, we are up for the task of ensuring that our most vulnerable have the housing and services they need,” Hong said.

    If the proposed cuts are made at year’s end, it would dovetail into a time county leaders refer to as hypothermia season, when more people are seeking shelter from the cold.

    The report shows most of the county’s shelters are already operating at, or above, capacity.

    A bipartisan group of 22 lawmakers has submitted a letter to the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, requesting a one-year extension of current funding for the federal Permanent Supportive Housing program.

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    Kyle Cooper

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  • Montgomery County watching for ripple effects from DC law enforcement surge – WTOP News

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    A law enforcement surge in D.C. has led to the clearing of homeless encampments and an alleged reduction in crime, but it is also raising concerns in neighboring communities.

    A law enforcement surge in D.C. has led to the clearing of homeless encampments and an alleged reduction in crime, but it is also raising concerns in neighboring communities, including Montgomery County, Maryland, about possible spikes in crime and homelessness as a result.

    “All of our district commands are aware to keep an eye out for any changes,” Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada said.

    Yamada said unlike other situations, of which he has experience or can call on someone who has, this federal intervention in D.C. is new and “historic.”

    “Everyone is sort of learning on the fly,” Yamada told WTOP.

    Yamada said there has been a slight uptick in people requesting services, such as housing, and they are working to get those individuals support. He said the department is working with Health and Human Services to detect any changes in homeless populations.

    The chief said he has also been in close contact with D.C. police leadership to understand their approach. This includes conversations with Chief Pamela Smith and her deputies.

    “To figure out, what exactly are you doing? Are you providing further assistance? Are you just pushing the problem somewhere else?” Yamada said.

    County Executive Marc Elrich said, in speaking with other counties that border D.C., including Arlington County, there hasn’t been a dramatic spike in homelessness.

    “So far, it’s managed. So far, D.C. is taking responsibility for it. We’ve only seen a couple of people,” Elrich said.

    When it comes to crime, Yamada said there has not been a spike, which he said they are “pretty happy” about.

    “I don’t want to jinx us, but we’re not seeing some of the things we were afraid we might see,” he said.

    Elrich said he doesn’t believe the county will see a spike in crimes being committed because of the actions the federal government is taking in D.C.

    “To be blunt, I mean a lot of the crime in D.C., particularly the violent stuff, it’s people who know people. So, they don’t know people out here. This is internal to the communities. And so, a lot of that doesn’t translate to taking it someplace else,” Elrich said.

    He also believes Montgomery County’s tough stance on prosecution acts as a deterrent.

    “I don’t think we’re easy prey. I mean, we prosecute,” he said. “We’re serious about prosecuting.”

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Mike Murillo

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