Homelessness In Frederick County

While many believe that homelessness is relegated to a particular segment of the population, the truth is that the face of homeless is changing. Frederick County is not immune to those changes. Not only are individuals faced with the risk of homelessness, but there’s an increase in families experiencing homelessness. Even unaccompanied youth (those no longer under direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian) are now finding themselves homeless in Frederick County.

Under the leadership of the United Way of Frederick County, as a community we are beginning to understand the population of at-risk families that are working hard but still unable to meet Frederick County’s high cost of living. This data, known as the ALICE Report, shines a spotlight on a large population of residents who are employed, yet have little or no savings. The population identified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained,Employed) is comprised of people who earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but can barely cover the basics: housing, child care, food, health care, and transportation. They are often one emergency — such as a major car repair or a medical bill — from falling into poverty.