A Sacred Network of Mutual Aid
Maryland
Resources & Refuge
"You are not alone. Whatever has brought you here, there is help across Maryland — from Baltimore to the Eastern Shore to the mountains of the west. Shelter, food, healing, and hands ready to hold yours. Begin wherever you need to."
Immediate Help in Maryland
Find Help Now
Real, currently operating resources across Maryland. Choose a path below — each holds verified shelters, programs, and organizations ready to help today.
The Sanctuary
Emergency shelter, coordinated access, and a safe place to rest across Maryland.
Helping Up Mission
City: Baltimore
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, showers, clothing, and long-term recovery for men, women, and children
Notes: 24-hour hotline. Faith-based; serves anyone in need, with services in Spanish.
Phone: 410-929-6999 (24-hr)
Address: 1216 E. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Website: helpingupmission.org
Baltimore City Coordinated Access
City: Baltimore City
Services: Front door to shelter and housing programs — intake, navigation, and street outreach
Notes: Mayor's Office of Homeless Services. Call 211 for the shelter hotline and current openings.
Phone: Dial 211
Website: homeless.baltimorecity.gov
Baltimore County Coordinated Entry
City: Baltimore County
Services: Shelter and housing referral for people experiencing homelessness countywide
Notes: Call and select option 1, Mon–Fri 8:30am–7pm. Leave a voicemail with your name and number for a callback.
Phone: 410-887-8463
Website: baltimorecountymd.gov
Maryland DHS — Bureau of Homeless Services
City: Statewide
Services: Statewide homeless services, eviction prevention, and the Community Services Locator
Notes: For shelter anywhere in Maryland, dial 211 — specialists search nearly 5,000 agencies statewide.
Phone: Dial 211
Website: dhs.maryland.gov
Cold / Freezing Weather Shelters
City: Statewide (Nov–Apr)
Services: Emergency overnight shelters activated on freezing nights (32°F or below, including wind chill)
Notes: Baltimore City declares "Code Blue"; counties run Freezing Weather Shelter plans. Dial 211 for tonight's open site.
Phone: Dial 211 (24/7)
No safe place tonight? Call 211 anytime — they can connect you to the nearest open shelter bed or warming site across Maryland.
Bread of Life
Food banks, hot meals, and pantries across Maryland.
Maryland Food Bank
City: Statewide (Baltimore · Salisbury · Hagerstown)
Services: Statewide food bank with hundreds of partner pantries; online "Find Food" pantry finder
Notes: Enter your ZIP code to find the nearest pantry. Call partners ahead to confirm hours.
Website: mdfoodbank.org/find-food
Our Daily Bread (Catholic Charities)
City: Baltimore
Services: Hot meals served daily — no ID, no questions asked
Notes: One of Baltimore's largest meal programs. Also connects guests to employment and services.
Address: 725 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202
Website: cc-md.org
Beans & Bread (St. Vincent de Paul)
City: Baltimore
Services: Daily meals plus a comprehensive day resource program serving 300+ people a day
Notes: ID cards and birth certificates available on the first business day of the month to the first arrivals.
Bea Gaddy Family Center
City: Baltimore
Services: Food, baby supplies, clothing, and furniture for families across Greater Baltimore
Notes: Open to anyone in need. Call ahead to confirm current distribution hours.
Website: beagaddy.org
Moveable Feast
City: Statewide
Services: Free, medically-tailored meal delivery for people with HIV, cancer, or other chronic illness
Notes: Delivers across Maryland to those managing serious health conditions.
Phone: 410-327-3420
Website: mfeast.org
SNAP (Food Supplement) stretches further than any pantry — see The Providence to apply, and ask for "expedited" if you're homeless. For the nearest pantry today, dial 211 or use the Maryland Food Bank finder.
The Healing Hand
Free and low-cost clinics, behavioral health, and care for people without stable housing.
Health Care for the Homeless
City: Baltimore + statewide
Services: Primary care, dental, mental health, addiction treatment, psychiatry, HIV care, and case management
Notes: Five fixed sites across Maryland plus a mobile clinic. Flexible hours, including some Saturdays. Housing-first supportive housing and medical respite too.
Phone: 410-837-5533
Website: hchmd.org
Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
City: Statewide
Services: Free or low-cost health coverage — doctor, hospital, mental health, prescriptions
Notes: Apply any time through Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services.
Website: marylandhealthconnection.gov
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
City: Statewide
Services: Sliding-scale primary, dental, and behavioral health care regardless of ability to pay
Notes: Federally qualified health centers serve every Maryland region. Dial 211 to find the nearest.
Phone: Dial 211
Website: 211md.org
For a mental-health or substance-use crisis, call or text 988 anytime — free, confidential, 24/7.
The Haven
Safe places to shelter from the cold, plus guidance on camping and parking in Maryland.
Code Blue & Freezing Weather Shelters
City: Statewide (Nov 1–Apr 15)
Services: Emergency warming shelters activated on dangerously cold nights across Maryland's counties
Notes: Baltimore City issues "Code Blue" alerts; counties activate Freezing Weather Shelter plans at 32°F or below. Dial 211 for the nearest open site.
Phone: Dial 211 (24/7)
Street Outreach Teams
City: Baltimore City & County
Services: Outreach workers who meet people sleeping outdoors and connect them to shelter and services
Notes: Baltimore County CAN Street Outreach: 443-794-1849. In Baltimore City, request outreach through 211.
Phone: 443-794-1849 (Balt. County)
Camping & Vehicle Dwelling — Know Before You Stay
City: Statewide
Services: Guidance on where it is and isn't legal to sleep outdoors or in a vehicle
Notes: Rules vary by city and county and can change quickly. Before settling somewhere, check with local outreach or 211, and see Rights & Laws below.
Phone: Dial 211 (24/7)
Maryland winters can be dangerous to sleep through unsheltered. If you have nowhere safe to go, please call 211 — they will find the nearest warming center or shelter bed right now.
Living Waters
Showers, laundry, restrooms, and personal-care access through day centers.
Manna House
City: Baltimore
Services: Showers, laundry, food, and help applying for birth certificates and ID cards
Notes: A welcoming day program meeting daily needs in the Charles Village area.
Phone: 410-889-3001
Address: 435 E. 25th St, Baltimore, MD 21218
H.O.P.E. Day Center
City: Baltimore
Services: Showers, laundry, clothing, food, recreation, and communication access
Notes: Helping Other People through Empowerment — a full-service drop-in day center.
Phone: 410-327-5830
Address: 2828 Loch Raven Rd, Baltimore, MD 21218
Franciscan Center
City: Baltimore
Services: Hot meals, hygiene support, and emergency assistance
Notes: A long-standing day resource center in midtown Baltimore.
Phone: 410-467-5340
Address: 101 W. 23rd St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Beans & Bread Day Center
City: Baltimore
Services: Day resource center — meals, restrooms, case management, and ID/document help
Notes: See Bread of Life for full details.
Phone: 410-732-1892
Address: 402 S. Bond St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Hygiene and laundry access shifts by location and season. 211 keeps the most current list of open day centers near you.
The Guardian
Free civil legal aid — your rights around housing, eviction, benefits, and safety.
Maryland Legal Aid
City: Statewide
Services: Free civil legal help — eviction defense, housing, public benefits, family law, expungement
Notes: Offices in every region. Helps more than 105,000 people a year. Call the intake line to start.
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
City: Statewide
Services: Pro bono civil legal representation through a network of volunteer attorneys
Notes: Matches low-income Marylanders with a volunteer attorney for civil cases.
Phone: 1-800-510-0050
Website: mvlslaw.org
Access to Counsel in Evictions
City: Statewide
Services: Free legal representation for income-eligible tenants facing eviction
Notes: Maryland law gives many tenants the right to a free lawyer in eviction cases. In Baltimore, also try Civil Justice at 410-706-0174.
Phone: Dial 211 for a referral
Maryland Court Help Centers
City: Statewide
Services: Free limited legal help for people representing themselves in district or family court
Notes: Help with eviction, small claims, consumer issues, and protective/peace orders (not full representation).
Phone: 410-260-1392
Website: peoples-law.org
Facing eviction? Don't wait for the court date — contact Maryland Legal Aid as soon as you receive a notice. If you don't show up to court, you automatically lose.
The Providence
Government benefits — food, health coverage, cash assistance, and emergency help.
Maryland DHS (myMDTHINK)
City: Statewide
Services: SNAP (Food Supplement), Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, and emergency aid
Notes: Apply online at myMDTHINK or at your local Department of Social Services. Homeless applicants can get expedited SNAP within 7 days — say "expedited."
Website: mymdthink.maryland.gov
Maryland Energy Assistance (OHEP)
City: Statewide
Services: Help with home heating and electric bills through the Office of Home Energy Programs
Notes: Keeping utilities on is key to keeping housing. Apply through DHS or dial 211.
Website: dhs.maryland.gov/ohep
Social Security Administration
City: Statewide
Services: SSI and SSDI disability benefits, retirement, and survivor benefits
Notes: You can apply without a permanent address. Ask about expedited SSI if you're homeless.
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: ssa.gov
211 Maryland
City: Statewide
Services: Free, confidential help finding any benefit, program, or service in Maryland
Notes: Available 24/7. The database covers nearly 5,000 agencies statewide.
Phone: Dial 211
Website: 211md.org
Applying can feel overwhelming — Maryland Legal Aid (see The Guardian) can help you apply for and appeal denials of benefits, free of charge.
The Shepherd
Faith-based and community organizations offering food, shelter, and warm support.
Catholic Charities of Baltimore
City: Statewide
Services: Our Daily Bread meals, the Esperanza Center for immigrants, housing, and behavioral health
Notes: One of Maryland's largest human-services providers. Helps people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Website: cc-md.org
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore
City: Baltimore region
Services: Beans & Bread day center, shelters, meals, and family support
Notes: Operates emergency shelters in partnership with Baltimore County and the city.
Website: vincentbaltimore.org
Helping Up Mission
City: Baltimore
Services: Faith-based emergency shelter, meals, and year-long recovery programs
Notes: See The Sanctuary for full details. 24-hour hotline: 410-929-6999.
Website: helpingupmission.org
Paul's Place
City: Baltimore
Services: Meals, market, clothing, and supportive programs in Southwest Baltimore
Notes: A neighborhood hub offering dignity and connection to services.
Address: 1118 Ward St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Website: paulsplaceoutreach.org
The Salvation Army of Maryland
City: Statewide
Services: Food pantries, emergency assistance, shelter, and seasonal support
Notes: Local corps across the state. Find your nearest through 211.
Website: salvationarmy.org
Many Maryland congregations quietly help neighbors beyond what's listed here. If you have a home church, ask — and 211 can connect you to faith-based aid near you.
Know Where You Stand
Maryland Rights & Laws
A plain-language look at the laws that affect people experiencing homelessness in Maryland.
Right to a Lawyer in Eviction Cases
Maryland's Access to Counsel in Evictions law gives many income-eligible tenants the right to free legal representation when facing eviction.
In Baltimore City, tenants who receive a Failure-to-Pay-Rent notice have a right to free counsel. Contact Maryland Legal Aid or Civil Justice as soon as you get court papers.
Always go to your court date — if you don't appear, you automatically lose. Showing up gives you options like payment plans, time to move, or legal defenses.
Expedited Help When You're Homeless
If you are experiencing homelessness, you may qualify for expedited SNAP — food benefits issued within 7 days.
Say the word "expedited" when you apply at myMDTHINK or your local Department of Social Services.
General Assistance and Temporary Cash Assistance may also be available through your county DSS for those who qualify.
Camping & Public Space
In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson that cities may enforce anti-camping rules even when shelter beds are full.
Maryland has no single statewide camping law — rules are set by each city and county, and some clear encampments on short notice.
Before settling in one place, check local ordinances or ask outreach workers. If your belongings are taken during a cleanup, contact Maryland Legal Aid.
Fair Treatment & Tenant Protections
The federal Fair Housing Act protects you from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability.
- A landlord generally cannot evict you without a court process
- "Self-help" evictions (lockouts, removing belongings) are illegal
- Protections exist for survivors of domestic violence
- Free eviction defense is available through Maryland Legal Aid
Across the Free State
Help by Region
Resources reach across Maryland. Here's where to start in some of the larger communities.
Baltimore City
Mayor's Office of Homeless Services
Helping Up Mission, Health Care for the Homeless, Our Daily Bread, Beans & Bread, and city Coordinated Access.
Start: Dial 211 or homeless.baltimorecity.gov
Baltimore County
Towson & surrounding
Coordinated Entry for shelter/housing, five year-round shelters, CAN street outreach, and Catholic Charities programs.
Start: Coordinated Entry 410-887-8463 (option 1)
Montgomery County
Rockville & the DC suburbs
Montgomery County coordinated services, food assistance, and DV resources. CASA de Maryland for immigrant support.
Start: Dial 211 for shelter and services.
Prince George's County
Upper Marlboro & Hyattsville
County Department of Social Services, food pantries, and crisis services across the National Capital region.
Start: Dial 211 or contact PG County DSS.
Western Maryland
Hagerstown · Cumberland · Frederick
Maryland Food Bank's Hagerstown hub, regional shelters, and Maryland Legal Aid's Midwestern offices.
Start: Dial 211 for the nearest shelter and pantry.
The Eastern Shore
Salisbury & the shore counties
Maryland Food Bank's Salisbury hub, Shore Legal Access for civil legal help, and county social services.
Start: Dial 211 — it covers every Maryland ZIP code.
Pathways Forward
Maryland Programs
Larger state initiatives that move people from crisis toward stable housing.
Coordinated Entry / Access
Through: Each county's Continuum of Care
Helps with: A single intake that assesses your needs and prioritizes you for available shelter and housing.
Start: Baltimore City via 211; Baltimore County via 410-887-8463; other counties via 211.
Eviction Prevention & Rental Assistance
Through: Local Departments of Social Services & nonprofits
Helps with: Emergency rental help, utility assistance, and landlord mediation to keep you housed.
Start: Dial 211 for your county's rental assistance program.
HOPWA — Housing for People with HIV/AIDS
Through: Baltimore MOHS & partners
Helps with: Safe, stable housing plus supportive services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Start: Ask a Coordinated Access Navigator or dial 211.
Find Help Near You
Resource Map
An interactive map of Maryland resources is on its way as the Network grows.
Interactive Map — Coming Soon
Soon this map will plot shelters, food, clinics, hygiene sites, and warming centers near your location across Maryland.
Until then, dial 211 anytime for live, location-based help — or choose a city to be pointed in the right direction.
The Network Grows
Angel Outreach in Maryland
Beyond these public resources, the Angel Network is preparing its own offerings for Marylanders in need.
Angel Offerings — Gathering
As angels gather and The Chalice fills, Hope & Grace will extend direct blessings, partner outreach, and community support to souls right here in Maryland.
These offerings will appear here as the Network grows. If you are in need today, please request a blessing — and lean on the verified resources above in the meantime.
You Are Not Alone
However You Arrived Here
Whether you need shelter tonight or hope to one day become an angel for someone else — there is a place for you in this Network.