COVID-19: Information and Resources
Essential Local COVID-19 Resources
- Security Deposit and Rental Assistance
- Food Assistance
- Computers for Baltimore City Public School Students
- Water and Energy Assistance
This page compiles updates, information, and guidance related to COVID-19 in Baltimore City. Visit the Baltimore City COVID-19 website for the latest developments on COVID‑19.
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
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 the Baltimore City COVID-19 website 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.
Preventive 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.
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.
Preventative Measures for People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness
Social distancing can be challenging for people who live and sleep outside. When possible, people should try to stay at least six feet away from others and avoid sharing items such as cell phones and cigarettes. Daily, Outreach Teams deliver PPE to people experiencing unshelthered homeless that can also help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Other useful tips can be found in this COVID-19 Fact Sheet for People Experiencing Homelessness.
People experiencing unsheltered, or street, homelessness can access COVID testing, vaccinations, and isolation services by contacting our Outreach Teams at 410-545-1862 or by emailing Homeless Outreach.
Follow us on social media to receive daily updates:
Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services ( MOHS)
The Journey Home
Federal, State, and Local COVID-19 Resources for Homeless Service Providers
Federal
- Availability of Waivers of CPD Grant Program and Consolidated Plan Requirements to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 and Mitigate Economic Impacts Caused by COVID-19 for CoC, ESG, and HOPWA (HUD)
- Preventing and Managing the Spread of Infectious Disease for People Experiencing Homelessness (HUD)
- Preventing and Managing the Spread of Infectious Disease within Shelters (HUD)
- Resources for Homeless Shelters (CDC)
- Interim Guidance for Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness (CDC)
- HUD COVID-19 Resource Digest
- CDC Communication Resources
- CDC Print Resources
- CDC Graphics and Buttons
State
- Maryland Guidance for Homelessness Services and Community Service Providers
- Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard
Local
- Provider COVID FAQ (MOHS)
- Recommendations for response planning by homeless service providers (MOHS)
- COVID-19 Food Handling Guidance for Restaurants, Non-profits, and Food Pantries (BCHD)
- Baltimore City Health Department Communications Resources
- Materials for Baltimore City Homeless Service Providers
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 by clicking here.