HAGERSTOWN – Citing a 280 percent rise in local homelessness in the past year alone, two area experts on the situation will offer what is hoped to be at least a step forward in addressing the issue when Washington County Commissioners meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Dr. Mark Sewell of the Washington County Local Homeless Coalition and Jeannie Asbury, executive director of Reach of Washington County, will address commissioners when they meet at the Washington County Administration Complex, 100 W. Washington St.
They will offer details of a new initiative to address homelessness for families and children. Homelessness in Washington County has reached crisis levels, their materials indicate, and to combat what they called a “growing humanitarian crisis,” the Local Homeless Coalition has forged what they hope is a groundbreaking program specifically addressing the unmet needs of families and children experiencing homelessness.
The Home for Home Program is a new targeted initiative designed to provide “opportunity
housing” for families with children who have experienced eviction, where the eviction has created a
barrier to securing safe and stable housing.
The program aims to help these families achieve long-term stability by offering housing
solutions, tailored support services and collaborative community partnerships to overcome housing
insecurity. By focusing on families with children, the program not only addresses housing needs but
also promotes social mobility, child development and overall well-being, materials provided to the commission said.
