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?”
After talking with your neighbor, ask who you should call. Save these numbers into your phone for easy access.
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
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.
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
If you know someone who wants to be connected to our services:
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.
Last winter, Ray Fitzberger got frostbite on his legs and feet. Doctors had to remove three toes on his left foot. Not long after the surgery, Ray was released from the hospital.
Every day, people we know and love undergo surgery to address life-threatening conditions. If they have no place to go, they get discharged back to the streets.
"At 66 years old I’m still looking for new ways to give back." Read this story from client and community builder, Woodrow McCoy.