Baltimore Officials Criticized Over Homeless Shelter Conditions
City Council members and community advocates argue that despite a surge in homelessness, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services is not adequately protecting both clients and the wider community.
Rising Homelessness in Baltimore
During a recent City Council committee hearing, officials presented data comparing the first nine months of this year to the same period in 2024, revealing significant increases:
- The city’s outreach team encountered 26% more individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Households with children experiencing homelessness increased by 45%.
- There was a 22% rise in adults aged 65 or older facing homelessness.
Insights from the 2025 Point in Time Survey
The annual federally required survey, conducted last January, highlighted the growing vulnerability of many individuals:
- Among people interviewed at emergency shelters, 37% reported it was their first time seeking shelter assistance.
- Of those interviewed outside shelters, 52% stated it was their first experience with street homelessness.
Hearing Highlights: Accountability and Responses
Councilman James Torrence questioned Ernestina Simmons, director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services, at the hearing on Tuesday, pressing her on the office’s response to the climbing homelessness crisis.
“Baltimore has risen to the challenge,” Simmons asserted, addressing service providers and staff present at the hearing.
However, many officials remain skeptical about the effectiveness of current strategies to adequately support vulnerable populations and mitigate community impacts.
Summary
Baltimore faces increasing homelessness with notable demographic shifts, but controversy surrounds the adequacy of the city's response under the current homeless services leadership.
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