BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, January 27, 2021) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS), and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks announced a partnership to immediately increase access to emergency services for people experiencing homelessness by converting two recreation centers into winter emergency shelters.

These recreation centers will double as winter shelters when wind chill temperatures hit 32°F or below and a Winter Shelter Declaration is issued. The two new overflow shelters are: Greenmount Recreation Center (2304 Greenmount Avenue) and Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center (1201 Pennsylvania Avenue).

Between the hours of 3PM and 10AM, the Greenmount Rec Center will provide temporary shelter for homeless women, while the Robert C. Marshall Rec Center will provide temporary shelter for homeless couples. Services can be accessed by calling the Coordinated Entry Line at 443-984-9540 or dialing 211.

“We are committed to expanding shelter and housing access to those in need,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott “Expanding our emergency shelter capacity is only one part of a broader anti-homelessness strategy, but is essential for meeting the acute need that exists right now. This collaborative effort between MOHS, Rec and Parks, and our service providers will ensure we take the proper steps to protect and support our residents experiencing homelessness.”

MOHS is currently managing five hotels that were originally opened for COVID-19 decompression in addition to the Greenspring Men’s Shelter. The agency also has a longstanding partnership with McVet’s Shelter. 

Since April 2020, MOHS has secured five hotels with more than 500 beds to shelter people experiencing homelessness. With the addition of the two rec centers, the city is expanding shelter capacity to ensure it can meet the increased need when Baltimore experiences its lowest temperatures.

“Providing safe spaces for our community members is always our agency’s top priority, so converting the Greenmount and Robert C. Marshall Recreation Centers into overflow sites is the appropriate response,” said Director Reginald Moore of the Department of Recreation and Parks. “This partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services is crucial in addressing the needs of our neighbors.”

“Since the beginning of the season, our winter shelters have consistently operated at 98% -100% capacity. And now, as temperatures are expected to be continually frigid, it’s imperative that we expand capacity. I am thankful that we can draw upon the resources of the Department of Rec and Parks to meet this immediate and critical need,” said Acting Director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services, Tisha Edwards.

To access winter shelter, call the Coordinated Entry Line at 443-984-9540 or dial 2-1-1.

For more information about MOHS programs, please visit the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services