Due to freezing temperatures, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services has declared a winter shelter warning for Thursday, December 19, 2024 through Tuesday, December 24 at 9 am. Call 211 (available 24/7) or 443-984-9540 to connect with shelter. Get more info here.

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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:
English I Spanish

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.

Profile


Two years ago, Charles Johnson was staying in abandoned rowhouses in West Baltimore with no insurance, no income and nowhere to turn for health care needs. “I’ve been pulling my teeth out with a pair of pliers and a wash rag,” he said back then. “And I don’t have my top teeth now.”

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Each day, Carlton trekked downtown for heroin. Drugs had landed him 33 years in prison, cost him the support of his family and prevented him from keeping a job.

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