Homeless in Baltimore

Census Results Reveal Almost 3,000 People Homeless in Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD (June 13, 2005) - A census conducted by Baltimore Homeless Services, Inc. and Center for Poverty Solutions counted 2,943 individuals as homeless in Baltimore City on January 30, 2005. This is a 10% increase from the initial census done in April of 2003 where 2,681 homeless residents were counted.

The census, sponsored by the Abell Foundation, provided three valuable pieces of information:

an estimate of the number of residents who are homeless on any given day throughout the City,
detailed personal data than is otherwise possible, and
data on where individuals and families are located so that social service providers can target needed services to those areas.
Survey results show that overall demographics form a general picture of the homeless population in Baltimore City: high rates of disability, low levels of education, very low levels of income, and lower levels of any supportive aid.

78% male and 22% female
82% black, 14% white, 4% other
40% did not complete high school
Average age: 40 years
High rates of disability
Average annual income: $486
High prevalence of veterans
59% homeless less than 1 year
27% homeless 1-3 years
15% homeless more than 3 years
15% homeless due to housing problem
12% homeless due to family problem
38% homeless due to health problem
23% homeless due to lack of enough income
5% homeless after institution discharge
Many want housing & help with education/jobs
Census estimates indicate 7,023 individuals will be homeless in the City each year. To prevent homelessness, system changes are needed along with more affordable housing and supported housing, increase in the minimum wage, access to appropriate healthcare, jobs and adult education, and better coordination of discharge planning.

"It is possible to end homelessness. However, coordination and determination together as a community can make homelessness rare and brief," said Laura Gillis, President of Baltimore Homeless Services, Inc. To obtain more information regarding this census, contact Baltimore Homeless Services at 410-545-3409.