Bridges to Housing Stability urges Howard County Council to increase funding for homeless services

The Howard County Budget Public Hearing on May 12, 2025, highlighted critical discussions surrounding the operating budget, particularly focusing on funding for community services aimed at preventing homelessness. Jen Broderick, the executive director of Bridges to Housing Stability, presented a compelling case for the proposed budget allocations for the Community Service Partnership grants and the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development.

Broderick emphasized the urgent need for increased funding due to rising homelessness rates in the county, marking the first increase in several years. She noted that Bridges serves approximately 50 households monthly, with a 95% success rate in maintaining long-term housing for clients. The organization has faced challenges due to increasing rents and a low vacancy rate, which complicates efforts to find affordable housing for low-income families.

The Family Home Start program, initiated to assist homeless students and their families, has already rehoused over 100 families, demonstrating the pressing demand for such services. Broderick urged the county council to consider the impact of inflation and funding cuts on nonprofit organizations, stressing that the budget for community services constitutes less than 7% of the total county budget but significantly benefits thousands of residents.

Broderick concluded by highlighting the broader implications of stable housing, including improved employment, educational outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs. She called for continued support for the budget items that facilitate essential services for the county's most vulnerable populations, reinforcing the notion that investing in housing stability yields substantial returns for the community.