COVID-19: Information and Resources

Coronavirus updates & resources 

Essential Local COVID-19 Resources 

This page compiles updates, information, and guidance related to COVID-19 in Baltimore City. Visit coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov for the latest developments on COVID‑19. Subscribe to MOHS’ newsletter today. 

Since March, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services has enacted its COVID-19 Response Plan to mitigate risk for members of our community experiencing homelessness. Since then, MOHS has worked diligently with homeless service providers and public and private agencies to implement its response and successfully prevent widespread outbreaks in shelter settings. While COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Baltimore City, MOHS prevention and response efforts remain firmly in place to ensure the health and safety of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. 

Universal Testing

Since March, the Baltimore City Health Department has coordinated with emergency shelters to provide universal COVID-19 testing on site to residents to prevent outbreaks before they begin. If an individual is positive for COVID-19 but is not in need of hospital care, they will be isolated at the TRI Center. 

Call 2-1-1 for free assistance or visit coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov for more information on COVID-19 testing.

The TRI Center

A hotel has been established as a Triage, Respite, and Isolation (TRI) Center intended to support Baltimore City residents with known or suspected COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization and are unable to self-isolate. 

The TRI Center is open to anyone without a home or who cannot safely self-isolate at home. Individuals and families staying in the TRI Center have a private hotel room and bathroom and are offered shelter until their health condition has clinically improved and they are no longer considered infectious. Onsite clinical staff, including nurse practitioners and physicians from the University of Maryland Medical System, will help to provide care for residents. 

When departing the TRI Center, individuals must have a confirmed location to return to, and transportation will be provided to that location. Individuals in need of housing at their end of their quarantine period will be matched with an emergency shelter placement.  

Call 443-984-8915 for more information. 

Implementing Social Distancing Measures in Shelters

Baltimore’s emergency shelters have been expanded to accommodate social distancing best practices and to lower the risk of illness. Starting on April 6th, 2020, MOHS activated an alternative social distancing shelter that will operate temporarily, at least until the COVID-19 health emergency has been contained. In addition to these efforts, MOHS has created hotel placements for hundreds of the City's most vulnerable shelter residents, prioritizing those residents over the age of 62 and/or with chronic health conditions, to hotel rooms to protect their health.  

Preventive Measures

In addition to the above measures around testing, isolation and social distancing, emergency shelter sites are conducting regular symptom screening and mandating personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff. MOHS recently delivered masks donated by The Salvation Army of Central Maryland to homeless service providers, including to emergency shelters. 

These procedures and guidance have helped prevent large-scale outbreaks within Baltimore City emergency shelters and save lives among some of the City's most vulnerable residents. Moving forward, MOHS will continue to expand its COVID-19 prevention and response while working to protect the health and safety of those experiencing homelessness. 

 

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Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services ( MOHS)

The Journey Home

Federal, State and Local COVID-19 Resources for Homeless Service Providers

Federal

State

Local

How to Support People Experiencing Homelessness

For many in our community, staying home and self-quarantine are not realistic measures.  

That's why The Journey Home launched a campaign to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City during COVID-19. Text “JourneyHome” to 50155 to make a donation. You can also donate online.

MOHS COVID-19 Newsletter and Update Archive