A core function of Baltimore's homeless response system involves providing emergency support for those in need. The Emergency Services Team is charged with being “boots on the ground,” offering immediate support to Baltimore City residents whose lives were disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.
 
The MOHS Emergency Services Team is small but mighty, and they offer essential support at City-funded shelters through partnerships with organizations that provide connections to housing and vital supportive services. “Once a constituent accepts shelter, the shelter provider assists the constituent with completing Coordinated Access. This starts the process of addressing their needs and helping them get matched to housing,” said Emergency Services Lead David Edmondson, who describes himself as the “Running Back” of the team.
 
The team is also a resource to individuals experiencing homelessness and all residents who are seeking shelter due to extreme weather during the Code Red/Extreme Heat and Code Blue/Winter Shelter seasons. These two seasons create uncomfortable and unbearable conditions for all residents, especially those residing in places not meant for human habitation. These seasonal initiatives provide vulnerable neighbors with basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. 
 
Most recently, the Emergency Services Team assisted our Continuum of Care service providers in serving over 9,000 residents during this past Code Red/Extreme Heat season. “The Emergency Services Team cannot function without the external support of our providers, partners, and community agencies,” said MOHS Emergency Services Manager Latoya Felder. “Collective work should be the responsibility of every community member seeking to bring about change and impact.” 
 
Being an emergency services worker is no small task. It takes individuals who are compassionate, empathetic, dedicated, and truly committed to helping others in some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. “My team works very hard to ensure constituents feel at home by offering extra support, actively listening to their needs and concerns, speaking to them with compassion, and not judging their situation,” said Seasonal Operations Specialist Shawnta Randolph. 
 
MOHS is thankful to partner and collaborate with various community-based organizations and direct service providers to create a safe environment where vulnerable residents can receive supportive services that will empower them to thrive as citizens and ultimately become stably housed.