Season to begin on May 15 in alignment with Baltimore City Health Department to serve more individuals experiencing homelessness

BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, May 15, 2025) – Today, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) announced the FY26 Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan will begin on May 15, 2025 and remain in effect until September 15, 2025 in alignment with the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) to ensure services and resources are accessible for individuals experiencing homelessness as the weather gets warmer. 

“MOHS is committed to serving individuals experiencing homelessness, and we acknowledge the increased need to be accessible for all residents in need of a cool space during extreme heat. Last year, we were able to add the Weinberg Housing & Resource Center to our list of cooling spaces which helped us serve over 9,000 residents in need of cold water and a cool space,” said MOHS Executive Director Ernestina Simmons. “This year, we are better aligning ourselves with our partners at BCHD to ensure that each resident has access to cool spaces and resources that are critical to keeping residents safe throughout the summer season.”

In previous years, MOHS’ Code Red Extreme Heat season was effective from June 1 to September 1, however, unpredictable weather conditions revealed the heightened need for available shelter, cooling centers, and cold water distribution access points that extend beyond that time frame. The annual Code Red Extreme Heat Plan 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 to particularly protect populations that are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

“We are excited to partner with BCHD this season to start our seasons at the same time on May 15 and end on September 15. With these changes, MOHS will be able to serve more of our residents during these hard times,” said MOHS Seasonal Operations Specialist Shawnta Randolph. “Each of our cooling centers will provide resources, cold water, and port stations for residents. We are also looking to expand our cooling locations in the coming weeks to support our youth in need as well.”

In coordination with BCHD, 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 CoC providers will operate as cooling centers in addition to cooling spaces provided by BCHD. Days and hours of availability vary and are detailed below:

• Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC)
  620 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202
  Mon. – Fri., 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Manna House
  435 E. 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
  Mon. - Fri., 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• My Sister’s Place Women’s Shelter (women and children only)
  17 W. Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
  Mon. – Sun., 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

• Beans & Bread
  400 S. Bond Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
  Mon. – Fri., 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• Franciscan Center
  101 W. 23rd Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
  Mon. – Fri., 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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 15, 2025. 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. 

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