649 Harford Co. Students Faced Homelessness Last Year, Council Considers Commission

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Hundreds of Harford County students experienced homelessness or housing instability last school year, and more than 200 students already have been identified as facing similar circumstances this fall, according to figures presented to the Harford County Council Tuesday night.

These numbers were shared during the County Council's public hearing Oct. 13 as members considered legislation that would establish a 21-member Commission on Homelessness tasked with identifying gaps in services, improving coordination among organizations and finding ways to prevent residents from losing their homes.

Councilwoman Nolanda Robert, who introduced Bill 26-015, said the commission would bring together county agencies, nonprofit organizations, housing providers, schools and community leaders to address homelessness and housing instability in Harford County.

During the 2025-2026 school year, Harford County Public Schools identified 649 students experiencing homelessness or housing instability, Robert said during the meeting.

Of those students, 373 were staying temporarily with family or friends, 164 were living in hotels or motels, 63 were staying in shelters and 49 were in other temporary living arrangements. The students included 310 elementary school students, 136 middle school students and 203 high school students.

The housing instability issue has continued into the current school year, according to data presented at the meeting. During August and September, HCPS identified 216 students experiencing homelessness or housing instability, including 21 unaccompanied youths.

Robert also cited figures from the Harford Community Action Agency showing 1,105 people received coordinated entry services between July 2024 and June 2026. Those included 778 adults and 327 children. She emphasized that the figures represented different reporting periods and definitions of homelessness and should not be added together.

Robert said homelessness involves more than people sleeping outdoors or staying in shelters. It also affects families living in motels, children staying with relatives and residents who have no permanent place to call home.

"This week alone, our office has been contacted by probably about five families who are in the process of being evicted, have been evicted and are homeless, trying to find housing in hotels, motels and or seeking help from anyone," Robert testified during the public meeting.

She stressed that the county must focus on keeping people housed rather than waiting until families are already homeless.

"We must help those who are already experiencing homelessness, but we must also help individuals and families remain housed before a crisis becomes displacement," Robert said.

The proposed commission would not operate shelters, provide case management or control county funding. Instead, it would evaluate existing programs, identify barriers to services and recommend policies, funding priorities and other improvements.

Robert pointed to similar efforts in Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties as examples of how agencies and community organizations can collaborate.

"No single organization can solve homelessness alone," Robert said. "This bill does not promise an overnight solution. It establishes a framework for collaboration, accountability and long term planning."

Former Homeless Resident Speaks Out

During the public hearing, Harford County resident Hunter Baker told council members that while he supports the commission, he believes the county should have acted sooner in addressing housing instability.

"I think this commission is important. And it's also too late," Baker said.

Baker said nonprofit organizations and county agencies have previously told council members about the need for additional shelter beds and transitional housing. He also expressed frustration over the number of children living in hotels and other temporary accommodations.

"I'm tired of seeing students picked up in front of hotels by school busses," Baker said.

Baker became emotional as he described his own experience with homelessness during the public meeting.

"This issue hits home to me. I've been unhoused before myself, and I really think we just need to do something about it," Baker said.

He urged county officials to act quickly, particularly with colder weather approaching.

"This commission has the potential to do so much, much needed work in the community and to support the most vulnerable people in the county, and I hope that they get to work immediately because it's going to be winter again before we know it," Baker said.

Councilman Aaron Penman also expressed support for the legislation, recalling his experiences checking on people experiencing homelessness during the winter months.

"I've seen firsthand the homeless population as part of a program where we went out and checked on them during the winter months," Penman said. "So collaboration, putting all these resources in one place to try to combat that, I think is an excellent thing."

What Would The Commission Do?

Under the proposed legislation, the commission would consist of 21 voting members, including 12 ex officio members and nine appointed members.

Representatives would come from county government, law enforcement, Harford County Public Schools, social services, health care, nonprofit organizations, housing providers, faith-based organizations and the business community. The commission also would include someone who has experienced homelessness or is currently experiencing homelessness.

The nine appointed members would be selected by the county executive and confirmed by the County Council. The commission would meet at least once a month and would be responsible for developing a strategic plan to prevent and reduce homelessness throughout Harford County.

Other responsibilities would include reviewing existing housing programs, identifying gaps in services, improving coordination among agencies and recommending ways to help vulnerable populations, including veterans, children, older adults and people with disabilities.

Members would serve four-year terms without compensation. The commission also would be required to submit an annual report to the county executive and County Council by Nov. 30, outlining homelessness trends, gaps in services, potential funding opportunities and recommendations for county policies and programs.

Robert emphasized that creating the commission would not solve homelessness overnight, but it could provide county leaders with information needed to make decisions.

"Homelessness should not be defined. Someone's future and housing instability should not determine a child's opportunity to succeed," Robert said.

The County Council will reconvene Oct. 20. The commission has not yet been established, and the bill must receive council approval before becoming law. If enacted, the measure would take effect 60 days after becoming law.