Md. Code, Housing and Community Development § 4–2205

(a) A shelter home:

(1) shall provide clients with a temporary residence and necessary counseling to link clients to appropriate community services to stabilize the clients’ living conditions;

(2) shall accept, from the police and other referral sources in the community, clients for temporary shelter;

(3) shall conform to applicable State and local fire codes, health codes, and zoning ordinances; and

(4) is subject to the regulations adopted by the Department.

(b) The Department shall:

(1) establish standards of care and admission policies for shelter homes;

(2) monitor the operation of the shelter homes; and

(3) annually evaluate the effectiveness of the shelter homes.

(c) The Department may contract with private nonprofit organizations to operate the Program.