Twice as many Baltimoreans needed emergency shelter in the last two years

The number of people using emergency shelters in Baltimore has doubled in the last two years, according to the latest city data. This sharp increase has raised concerns among city officials, who point to a combination of factors contributing to the crisis. A significant portion of the problem stems from the loss of funding intended to prevent evictions, leaving many families without the support they need to avoid homelessness. At the same time, the rising cost of housing has made it increasingly difficult for residents to afford even basic shelter.

Baltimore’s homeless services director, Ernestina Simmons, presented these findings to the city council, emphasizing the national context of the housing crisis. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports that emergency shelter visits have also doubled across the country during the same period. The data highlights a growing trend of housing insecurity, with more people experiencing homelessness for the first time in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Simmons noted that the cost of housing has reached a point where it is unaffordable for many. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is around $1,604, slightly below the national average of $1,575. “You’re seeing people that need shelter that have never had to ask for help a day in their life,” she said. This includes an increasing number of children who are experiencing housing insecurity alongside their parents.

With most eviction prevention funds depleted and limited social service support available, the city has focused on expanding its shelter capacity. However, Simmons acknowledged the challenge of creating more affordable housing. “We want to create more housing,” she said, “but there’s nothing worse than vacant units that people can’t afford.” This reflects a broader struggle across the nation to address the root causes of homelessness and provide sustainable solutions.

The situation underscores the urgent need for policy changes and increased funding to support vulnerable communities. As the city works to rebuild its homeless services system, the focus remains on finding ways to provide long-term housing solutions and prevent further displacement. The crisis serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for neighbors in need, as called for in Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges justice for the oppressed and advocacy for the vulnerable.

Source: Read the original report