March 20, 2024 •Press Release LA PLATA, MD — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Director of the Baltimore Field Office Stephanie Staats, representatives from the Continuum of Care (CoC) network, and Southern Maryland local government leaders for a roundtable discussion about the Point in Time Survey(link is external) and the role local government and non-profits play in addressing homelessness across the Fifth District. Image “There is still much work to be done to alleviate homelessness in our region and to promote greater access to affordable housing for all – especially for our young Marylanders,” said Congressman Hoyer. “The Point in Time Survey is an excellent starting point for providing an informed view of homelessness in our community, and I am proud to help facilitate broader, more open conversations between the federal government and local nonprofit leaders. Our top priority is ensuring we have the most accurate information in order to best serve our community and provide comprehensive solutions to combat homelessness. LifeStyles of Maryland continues to be a lifeline for so many families in Southern Maryland struggling to make ends meet and I was proud to secure $912,000 in Community Project Funding this year so they can continue to improve and expand their center.” “I see the Point in Time Count not just as numbers on a page, but as a vital tool for understanding the needs of our communities. Each count represents a person, a family, a narrative - and it's our duty at HUD to ensure that these stories shape our policies, programs, and priorities. Together, through accurate and compassionate data collection, we pave the way for more effective, equitable, and impactful interventions that uplift every individual in our society,” said HUD Regional Administrator Matthew Heckles. “We truly appreciate Congressman Hoyer taking the time to hear from those in the community who serve families that are not only homeless but those who are at risk of homelessness and how they are counted nationally. He not only listened to us, but he also heard us,” said Sandy Washington, CEO of LifeStyles, and the chair of the Local Homelessness Coalition. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. HUD requires that CoCs conduct an annual count of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltered in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and Safe Havens on a single night. CoCs also must conduct a count of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness every other year (odd numbered years). Each count is planned, coordinated, and carried out locally. Image Image
