The Plan

The Plan

The Journey Home is Baltimore City's 10-year plan to end homelessness in Baltimore City by 2018.  The plan brings together businesses, not-for-profit and faith-based organizations and concerned citizens like you to address this complex social and public health crisis.

Homelessness is NOT a permanent condition.  Our vision is that, within ten years, homelessness in Baltimore City will be rare and brief.
 

 


GOALS


The Journey Home plan has four primary objectives:
 

  • 1
    Affordable Housing

    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.1  

    Solution: Baltimore will create and maintain a supply of housing sufficient to rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families.  
     
  • 2
    Comprehensive Healthcare

    According to Health Care for the Homeless (2011), 75% of their clients served in Baltimore in 2009 were uninsured. Only 19% received Medicaid and only 6% received Medicare.

    Solution: Baltimoreans will have access to comprehensive and affordable health care including mental health services and addiction treatment by 2018.
     
  • 3
    Sufficient Incomes

    Baltimore City has a large proportion of citizens at the lower end of the wage scale.  About 1/3 of Baltimoreans earn less than enough income than what would be needed to support themselves, and about half earn less than enough income than what would be needed to support themselves and one child.2  

    Solution: Baltimore workers will earn a wage sufficient to afford housing; sufficient funding for public benefits will prevent the homelessness of recipients.
     
  • 4
    Comprehensive Preventive and Emergency Services

    It is difficult for those in need to access shelter and services in Baltimore City, largely due to insufficient funding.   

    Solution: By 2018, Baltimore City will have sufficient capacity to identify and respond to individuals and families at risk of homelessness, to provide immediate emergency shelter and to transition from emergency shelter into permanent housing with appropriate supportive services within 30 days.
  •  
    Sources

    1. 1 Newman, S.J. (2005).  "Low-End Rental Housing; The Forgotten Story in Baltimore's Housing Boom." Urban Institute.

    2. 2 Derived from ACS 2005-2009 Household Income Estimates and Glasmeier, A.K. (2011) Living Wage Calculator. Pennsylvania State University


THE PLANNING PROCESS

 

Nationally, many cities, states and regions have developed 10-year plans for ending homelessness. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake is leading the charge here in Baltimore, inspired by best practices nationwide.

The Mayor's office worked with a 32-member Civic Leadership Council to formulate the plan. The council included representatives of local businesses, philanthropies, service providers, and other leading city agencies and organizations.

More than 150 advocates, government officials, service providers and other experts served on committees and workgroups supporting the plan.

The City also engaged people experiencing homlessness in the planning process through focus groups in which they shared their opinions about the most needed services and the most likely interventions for ending homelessness.


LEADERSHIP AND PARTNERS

 

Baltimore Homeless Services led the planning process and is working with United Way of Central Maryland to recruit support, raise funds and implement the plan.

The Journey Home Advisory Board provides ongoing support for the effort.