Mayor Rawlings-Blake Announces Initiative to Clean Up Homeless Encampments in Midtown Baltimore 

Cleanups will prevent hazards to health and safety, outreach workers will assist with housing, placement services 

BALTIMORE, Md. (November 10, 2014)—Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced the City's plan to begin conducting regularly scheduled cleanups of a homeless encampment located along the east side of Guilford Ave, just south of Eager Street, as well as ongoing efforts to engage residents at the site with permanent supportive housing.

The first cleanup will begin today at 10:00 am and will occur Mondays and Thursdays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. The Department of Public Works (DPW) will clean the area to prevent the hazardous buildup of trash and human waste, and to deter the illegal dumping of large items, such as furniture. Outreach staff will continue working to engage residents at the site with housing services.

"This is an opportunity for us to reach out and offer support to Baltimore's homeless and to make our city cleaner and safer," said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. "As we clean up, we will work diligently to ensure that those who are in need of shelter receive the support and attention they need to improve their lives."

The city has engaged approximately 21 people at this site since June, of which nine have accepted services aimed at ultimately providing permanent supportive housing.