Maryland Department of Human Resources Section 137
§ 137.
(a) The Department shall:
(1) Adopt regulations as required under § 133(d) of this article. The Department shall seek the advice and recommendations of the board in developing these rules and regulations;
(2) Contract with public and private nonprofit organizations to operate the program;
(3) Seek the recommendations of the board in regard to policy determinations, the allocation of funds and the development of a plan for serving homeless individuals and families;
(4) Allocate any available and appropriate federal and State funds for the establishment, administration, and operation of shelter, nutrition, and service programs for homeless individuals and families; and
(5) Allocate funds to the areas of the State with consideration to unmet needs and the number of homeless individuals and families in those areas.
(b) In addition to the duties and responsibilities of the Department described under subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall:
(1) Establish a housing counselor and aftercare program to assist families and individuals in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing;
(2) Establish and implement a homelessness prevention program to provide services to families and individuals in a housing crisis that may include:
(i) Case management services;
(ii) Counseling to detect households at risk of becoming homeless;
(iii) Training on budgeting and other life skills;
(iv) Education as to tenants' rights and responsibilities; and
(v) Cash assistance.
(3) Submit a report to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the homelessness prevention program in preventing families and individuals from becoming homeless.
