n the last 10 years, the number of homeless individuals has decreased in Maryland by 40%. But, as a pandemic rages on, stifling economic growth and closing shelters, individuals in need of housing is on the rise.
COVID-19 has also created unprecedented real estate vacancy rates in the private sector ― so Maryland lawmakers are looking to marry the two issues and find one solution.
The Maryland Joint Committee to End Homelessness is moving to create a workgroup to figure out how to convert vacant real estate ― like commercial corridors, schools and strip malls ― into housing for both the homeless and the housing insecure. In turn, the Maryland state government would incentivize the transition by negotiating contracts with the vendors to keep businesses afloat.
