Strategic Priorities
Affordable Housing
To ensure success of The Journey Home in Baltimore, new houses must be in safe locales and affordable to low income families. Additionally, current housing structures of the Continuum of Care transitional housing stock must be improved to aid the homeless, veterans, families and youth to create permanent homes.
Health Care
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.
Sufficient Incomes
Unemployment, underemployment, and low-wage employment impact the homeless negatively. Many homeless individuals are employed in some capacity, but cannot afford housing in Baltimore due to low “living wages.” Conversely, new policies should be implemented that reduce barriers to employment by increasing minimum wage and access to financial 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.