As temperatures begin to plummet in Baltimore County, plans are set to provide a haven for residents who face the brunt of the cold without a roof. The county's freezing weather shelter plan has been activated. It will continue through April 15, ensuring that anyone experiencing homelessness can find temporary shelter from the harsh conditions looming over the winter horizon.
The plan addresses freezing temperatures by opening overnight shelters from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., offering critical refuge for the unsheltered. Locations like the Eastern Family Resource Center in Rosedale and the Community Health Center in Woodlawn provide warmth during cold snaps. During the day, libraries and malls serve as safe havens, with shelters sometimes extending hours during extreme conditions to ensure no one is left in the cold.
Residents seeking overnight shelter must make their need known by calling 410-887-TIME (8463) – option 1, to check the availability of beds—a necessary step to secure a spot in the limited sanctuary provided. The county’s proactive stance is not only about offering physical shelter but also about reminding the public to remain vigilant by adhering to cold weather reminders and tips: from preparing a 72-hour emergency kit to checking on vulnerable neighbors such as the elderly and chronically ill, and calling for emergency assistance via 911 for those in dire health straits precipitated by the freeze.
Please visit the official Baltimore County website for more information on the county's shelter services and cold weather guidelines.
