BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott says the city is exploring purchasing hotels to provide short term and permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness.
The mayor's goal is to have multiple hotels under the ownership of Baltimore City that are able to provide a safe shelter for those in need.
“Providing high-quality and safe facilities for people and families experiencing homelessness is my top priority, and we are grateful to President Biden for making federal dollars available to that end,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “I remain committed to implementing an anti-homelessness strategy that addresses the acute needs that exist now, while simultaneously fostering long-term solutions in partnership with service providers and other stakeholders.”
“Providing non-congregate shelter in hotels has helped to mitigate the spread of COVID and is proof of how hotels can transform the shelter system,” said Tisha S. Edwards, Acting Director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services. “We are also very eager to utilize hotels as a resource to increase the City’s access to housing for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.”
Baltimore currently holds lease agreements with two motels and four hotels, which provide shelter and support services to more than 600 people.
Today I announced that Baltimore will explore purchasing hotels to provide non-congregate housing for people and families experiencing homelessness. Safe, high-quality facilities for our vulnerable communities is my top priority. Full announcement: https://t.co/ToHuie9TXk pic.twitter.com/2JqLouA6Ho
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) April 21, 2021
