Every Dollar Makes a Difference
Learn the Facts
Understanding homelessness is the first step to making homelessness rare and brief.
In Maryland in 2014, it was estimated that 7,856 people were homeless. Nearly 35% of all homeless people in the state of Maryland are in Baltimore City alone (2,756)
That's enough people to fill all the seats at Pier 6 Concert Pavilion.
In January, 2014, there were 49,933 homeless veterans in across America.
Enough to fill every seat in Camden Yards and still have people left over.
The Journey Home has provided permanent housing opportunities for 300 more people in 2015 as compared with 2011
This equates to a savings of roughly $5.4 million to MD tax payers; or the equivalent of 50,000 tickets to a Ravens home game.
You Can
Make A Difference
To make homelessness rare and brief requires a long-term commitment from all community stakeholders. The private sector can play a key role in supporting the creation of permanent supportive housing for the homeless.
Our Goals
The Journey Home plan has four primary objectives
Affordable Housing
The overall success of The Journey Home depends on Baltimore’s ability to increase the supply of housing that is in safe neighborhoods and is affordable for people with low incomes.
It is estimated that there are about two poor renters for every affordable housing unit in Baltimore City, and more than 16,000 households are on the waiting list for assisted housing.
The Stats
Maryland is the 4th most expensive state in the country for rental housing.
The Solution
Develop new permanent housing units and use the Housing First approach to target these units to the most vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Explore how to repurpose some of the Continuum of Care transitional housing stock to create new permanent housing opportunities for individuals, families and youth.
Healthcare
Comprehensive and affordable health care for homelessness in Baltimore is progressing due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) covering most non-disabled adults, whom were previously uninsured. Maryland Medicaid provides the homeless with the ability to address their unique medical needs that even covers mental health and substance use.
The Stats
A homeless patient can cost tax payers up to $10,000 per day admitted to the hospital.
The Solution
Baltimoreans will have access to comprehensive and affordable health care including mental health services and addiction treatment by 2018.
Sufficient Income
People experiencing homelessness have incomes far below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Unemployment, underemployment and low-wage employment disproportionally impact people experiencing homelessness.
For people experiencing homelessness, a job that pays a “living wage” is a key factor for rising out of poverty and meeting basic needs, such as housing, food and health care.
The Stats
The hourly wage needed to afford a 2 bedroom apartment in Maryland 3x the states current minimum wage.
The Solution
While the gap between minimum wage and "living" wage is wide, Journey Home plans to continue advocating to increase minimum wage to meet the demands of a livable wage.
Additionally, Journey Home will coordinate and expand access to public benefits and community-based employment assistance programs
Prevention/Emergency Services
To eradicate homelessness, Baltimore must restructure the capacity of its homeless service delivery system. This is achieved by focusing on preventing homelessness by ensuring all youth have access to educational resources and quickly returning homeless persons to permanent housing with support services and developing a safe and stable home environment that sustains the Convalescent Care Program.
The Stats
Finding permanent housing for one homeless individual can saves tax payers $1800.
The Solution
The solution lies in a three pronged approach that addresses homelessness in school children through partnerships with Baltimore City Public Schools, better discharge procedures for homeless leaving hospitals, and enhanced case management services available to the homeless.