Weinberg Housing and Resource Center to be activated as additional cooling center to accommodate residents in Fallsway/Downtown corridor

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, June 4, 2024) – Today, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) announced that the FY25 Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan went into effect on Saturday, June 1, 2024, and will remain in effect until Sunday, September 1, 2024. Additionally, MOHS has added the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center (WHRC) to the list of cooling centers to bridge the gap and serve residents along the Fallsway and central Downtown corridor. 

“MOHS is an agency that aims to serve the needs of our community, we are dedicated to serving clients experiencing homelessness but we are also a resource for all Baltimore City residents who need a safe space to cool down this summer season,” said MOHS Executive Director Ernestina Simmons. “I am thankful for the organizations that have opened their doors during Code Red, these access points are critical to keeping residents safe this summer season."

The Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan outlines MOHS’ role in the coordination of efforts with the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD), the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and Baltimore City Continuum of Care (CoC) providers to support residents during times of intense heat and particularly protect populations that are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.   

“Regardless of the weather conditions, the health and safety of all Baltimore residents remains a top priority at MOHS,” said MOHS Seasonal Operations Specialist Shawnta Randolph. “This season, we are thankful to bridge the gap and serve residents along the Fallsway corridor at WHRC to ensure that all residents – men, women, and children – stay hydrated and cool during times of extreme heat this summer.”

When the forecasted heat index is greater than or equal to 105ºF, a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is declared by the Health Commissioner and the following Continuum of Care (CoC) providers will operate as cooling centers. The providers listed will act as additional cooling spaces along with the cooling centers provided by the Baltimore City Health Department. Days and hours of availability vary and are detailed below:

• Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC)
  620 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202
  Monday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Manna House
  435 E. 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
  Monday - Friday, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm

• My Sister’s Place Women’s Center (women and children only)
  17 W. Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
  Monday – Sunday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm

• Beans & Bread
  400 S. Bond Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
  Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

• Franciscan Center
  101 W. 23rd Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
  Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

During times of extreme heat when these spaces are activated, MOHS will provide resources to the community including cooling center information, cold water access, and other vital services. MOHS’ Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan will remain in effect until September 1, 2024. To view the full plan, click here.

For more information on the City’s Code Red Plan and ways to stay cool this summer, visit the Baltimore City Health Department online.

Contact:
Jessica Dortch
Public Information Officer
(410) 746-7933
Jessica.Dortch@baltimorecity.gov