By: Bre Harwood
The bill regarding emergency cold weather planning, aimed to give a voice to the homeless and provide specific plans to the Department of Human Resources in every county in Maryland. The bill was heard in the finance committee on March 17, to determine its fiscal impact at the state, local, and small business level.
The bill proposes establishing cold weather councils in each of the Maryland counties, as well as establishing council members in each county who would work together to create certain plans to better the livelihood of individuals who are homeless. In addition, it would require the creation of a reporting system from cold weather deaths of those who identify as homeless. The plans made by the cold weather councils must be provided to the Department of Human Resources “on or before” Oct.1 of each year.
The bill ultimately went on to be passed in the financial committee; however, there were various opposing positions to this bill.
“It has become deeply worrying when you think of the frigid temperatures that these individuals have to eat, sleep, and live in, in these winter months,” Senator Catherine E. Pugh of the Baltimore City district, and sponsor of the bill, said in regards to the nearly 3,000 individuals who are homeless in Maryland on any given night.
According to Pugh, there has been a significant increase in not only individuals becoming homeless, but in the number of families, too.
“The bill will help the homelessness epidemic including men, women, and children alike; it would give a voice to the voiceless and stand up for this vulnerable population,” Senator Pugh said.
Senator Pugh also explained that the Emergency Cold Weather Planning Council will consist of six representatives from each county and be chaired by the Department of Human Resources.
Senator Edward R. Reilly of the Anne Arundel County district, however, found that the bill might be duplicative and said there might be support for this type of initiative in other departments of the community. Additionally, Senator Delores G. Kelley of the Baltimore County district suggested that the issues addressed in this bill be combined in other exiting committees.
Pugh explained that this bill will deal with the particular issue of cold weather homelessness and have a more direct intention.
“The city has not solved this problem in any way,” Pugh said. “The people on corners are increasing and so are the people living under bridges.”
Sarah Gregoriny and Felicia Tarbell, both masters of social work students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, spoke favorably of the bill and explained that homelessness interferes with the right to life.
“Each life in our community matters,” Gregoriny said. “It is our job to preserve the most basic of human rights, which is the right to live.”
Tarbell, a Florida native, now living in Baltimore for her schooling, said that she sees individuals who are homeless in her neighborhood every day. She explained that this winter, especially, entailed very harsh weather conditions and she could not imagine living on the streets during this time.
“Every member of our community is valuable; every member of our community deserves support. No matter what, this [bill] is something that is very important and we should support everyone,” Tarbell said.
Robin Clark, a representative of Maryland Association of Counties (MACO) spoke in opposition of the bill because she said that the work is already being done. She explained the resources that are already being provided through community organizations such as warming and cooling centers, hotel rooms, and other shelters.
This bill would impact the Frederick County population of people who are homeless as well as the organizations that are currently providing for them.
“As an intern for the Frederick Rescue Mission, I have been able to see the issues of homeless first hand in Frederick County,” Devan Wassum said. “It’s amazing to see these people want to strive to overcome these obstacles they’re facing. They always have a positive attitude and never seem to take anything for granted.”
Jeremiah Hyatt, a longtime resident of Frederick County, and avid volunteer at the Frederick Rescue Mission and the Frederick Community Action Agency, believes in the promise of this bill and the hope it will bring to the homeless populations.
“While volunteering I’m always talking to the homeless community and listening to their stories,” Hyatt said. “Their stories are filled with hope and dreams of a brighter future. We can do so much better for these people and help out in greater ways.”
The bill will go into effect Oct. 1, 2016 and cold weather plans will be initiated when the wind chill goes below 32 degrees Fahrenheit in any county.
“This bill will help the homeless community live with dignity and establish a safety net for them,” Wassum said. “This is just a stepping stone to making Frederick County and all Maryland counties a better place.”