Four ways to help in the moment

Not sure how to support a neighbor or community member experiencing homelessness?

Try these tips from clients and staff, and print them out to carry with you:
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1. Start a Conversation

Remember: The person with lived experience is the expert on what they need. Get consent before taking action.

If you are approached by, or come across someone who might need help, ask them how they are, what they need and be sure to listen. If you feel comfortable, you can say something like:

“How are you?” I “What do you need?” I “I have an extra water bottle. Would you like it?”

2. Know who to call

After talking with your neighbor, ask who you should call. Save these numbers into your phone for easy access.

Shelter or resources:

Baltimore City Shelter Line: 443-984-9540 (Available Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.)

211: Maryland Helpline for information on food, substance use assistance, health care and more   

Medical attention:

988​: For immediate emotional support. You'll connect to a counselor who can help.

311: Non-emergency number

911: Only call if the person is an immediate threat to themselves or someone else.

Let them and anyone else nearby know police may show up.

3. Learn how to respond to an opioid overdose with Narcan

Narcan or Naloxone is a medication that reverses an opioid overdose.

Use these resources to get Narcan and learn how to use it:
Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition 

dontdie.org

4. Contact us

If you know someone who wants to be connected to our services:

  • Contact Us
  • Give them our phone number: 410-837-5533

You’ll be connected with a Community Health Worker or Outreach Worker to figure out how we can best support your neighbor.

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Throughout his life, Thomas Riddle was passionate about music and cars. These things brought him happiness. But from the time he was a child, something was missing. It took a heroin habit and homelessness at the age of 50 for him to identify what that was. In his own words, Thomas talks about the importance of love.

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