Our priorities are...

• informed by our mission, core values and principles of racial equity & inclusion.
• amplified in partnership with like-minded coalitions including Renters United Maryland, CASA, the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition and Maryland Behavioral Health Coalition. 
• driven by client experience and on-the-ground staff perspective.  
• able to move when we have leaders in the legislature who are driven to act.
• influenced by the issues that gain momentum as the session progresses.

Check back often for specific bills we support as they get introduced in the weeks ahead.

We anticipate seeing a few bills from previous years:

• Support: eviction prevention funding
• Support: decriminalizing drug paraphernalia
• Support: "good cause" eviction prevention
• Support: Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act
• Support: protecting the rights of people experiencing homelessness
• Oppose: drug-induced homicide bill

See where our 2025 priorities landed

Share your story or perspective

• Share your experience with Director of Public Policy Joanna Diamond at advocacy@hchmd.org. Stories can be in the form of an email, a phone call that's transcribed, a pre-recorded video or a recorded Teams meeting.
• Learn how to find your legislator, search for a bill, and generally engage during the Maryland General Assembly session. 

How your story helps

• We can include them in written testimony that will influence the hearings.
• You might have an opportunity to share your story directly with legislators as part of hearings.
• We can compile written and recorded stories and share with legislators after the hearings to advocate for their votes in favor of the bill.
   

"Policies must be driven by the expertise of people with lived experience. Staff and clients sharing real experiences with legislators is the most impactful way to influence legislation. Together, we can make a more just Maryland.”

- Joanna Diamond, Director of Public Policy