2013 Maryland Code
HUMAN SERVICES
§ 6-426 - Duties of Department

§6-426.

(a) The Department shall:

(1) contract with nonprofit organizations to operate the Program;

(2) seek the recommendations of the Advisory Board about policy determinations, the allocation of funds, and the development of a plan to serve homeless individuals and families;

(3) allocate any available federal funds and State funds to establish, administer, and operate shelter, nutrition, and service programs for homeless individuals and families;

(4) allocate funds to the areas of the State, considering unmet needs and the number of homeless individuals and families in those areas;

(5) establish a housing counselor and aftercare program to assist families and individuals in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing;

(6) establish and implement a homelessness prevention program to provide services to families and individuals in a housing crisis, which 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 about tenants’ rights and responsibilities; and

(v) cash assistance;

(7) establish uniform reporting criteria for providers of services to homeless individuals and families under this part;

(8) collect regional data on the number of homeless individuals and families that receive services under this part; and

(9) make recommendations on the resources necessary to provide adequate programs.

(b) (1) The Department shall report annually to the Governor on the extent of homelessness during the preceding year.

(2) The Department shall 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.