Ground was broken on Wednesday on a first-of-its-kind homeless shelter in Howard County.

Numerous county leaders gathered on a stretch of Lynn Buff Court in Laurel to celebrate at the site of the future non-congregate shelter.

A non-congregate shelter provides private rooms for individuals and families. This one will also connect people right away to resources.

The shelter is part of the county's strategy to curb homelessness in five years.

A non-congregate shelter

The spot where the new shelter will be located looks more like a forest at the moment.

But in about 18 months, a 16,000-square-foot, 22-room facility will be completed. It will not only provide private rooms and bathrooms, but it will also become a vital connection point for resources.

The shelter will provide housing res

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