The Homeless Persons Criminal Diversion Program (HPCDP), developed in collaboration with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, is a specialized post-arrest diversion program for individuals experiencing homelessness who have been accused of specific nonviolent misdemeanors or who currently have outstanding warrants for misdemeanors and transit or traffic offenses.  Any homeless person on the street, in a shelter or doubled-up in another person’s household is eligible for HPCDP.  In addition, HPCDP embraces a model of voluntary engagement.  Each participant has the option to participate in HPCDP or have his or her matter resolved through traditional programs or by requesting a trial.  

In September 2019, the Committee on Decriminalization of Homelessness convened to outline goals and identify four distinct approaches to decriminalizing homelessness -- pre-arrest diversion, post-arrest diversion, state and local legal/policy changes and community education.  See the complete
ICH Decriminiation Committee Recommendations FINAL report.

The first recommendation of the Montgomery County Interagency Commission on Homelessness: Committee on Decriminalization of Homelessness was the creation of program to resolve open misdemeanor criminal, traffic, and transit matters, including open warrants for persons who are homeless or have been homeless.   

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To learn more, please review the following documents:
Homeless Persons Criminal Diversion Program Operating Manual
American Bar Association Resolution
National Law Center on Homelessness -- Housing not Handcuffs

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Monthly meetings will be held the third Wednesday of the month at
Progress Place
8106 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring
More Details to follow

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Homeless Persons Criminal Division Program Forms:

 

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