We, the undersigned, residents and supporters of Prince George’s County, urgently call for an expansion of emergency shelters, transitional housing, and affordable units/housing throughout the county — especially in affluent and underrepresented areas.

Over the past decade, Prince George’s County has seen a boom in development: new luxury housing, hospitals, entertainment venues, and even a casino. Yet, despite this growth, the number of shelters and transitional housing units has remained critically low. As of now, there is only one family shelter in the entire county — a wholly inadequate number for a population of nearly one million.

Many individuals and families facing housing crises are forced to leave the county altogether to seek help elsewhere. This was my own experience — I became homeless in Prince George’s County and had to seek shelter in another jurisdiction because no local options were available to me. How many others have silently done the same?  I would have preferred rapid rehousing as an option which also was not offered.

Basic shelter and transitional housing are not privileges but human rights. Everyone deserves the opportunity to get back on their feet, regardless of income level or zip code. However, homelessness and housing insecurity are being pushed to the margins, often relegated only to low-income neighborhoods, perpetuating systemic inequality.

We respectfully demand the following:

• An increase in emergency shelters across Prince George’s County, particularly for families, single adults, youth, and seniors.
• Development of transitional housing units with wraparound services including case management, mental health support, and job assistance.
• Inclusion of affordable housing units in ALL new residential developments, especially in affluent areas, to promote mixed-income communities and prevent housing segregation.
• Transparent data collection and reporting on how many residents are forced to leave the county to receive housing services.
• Public forums and task forces that include voices of those with lived experience in homelessness to guide future housing policy and development.

We believe that Prince George’s County can and must do better — not just for optics, but for equity, dignity, and the well-being of all its residents. With direct action from leadership, Prince George's  County can be a county that offers safety, opportunity, and shelter to everyone — not just those who can afford it.

Please sign and share this petition to show your support for a more just and humane housing system in Prince George’s County.