Baltimore City has the highest concentration of homelessness in Maryland and one of the most complex homeless service systems on the East Coast. With over 2,500 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in the city, and a housing market that has become increasingly unaffordable, emergency hotel and motel voucher programs play a critical role in keeping people off the street.
This guide from House for Homeless covers exactly where to call and what to say to get an emergency hotel or motel voucher in Baltimore City tonight. For statewide Maryland programs, see our hotel vouchers for homeless in Maryland guide.
Need a hotel voucher in Baltimore tonight? Call 211 immediately — available 24 hours. Tell the operator you are in Baltimore City and need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
Where to Get Hotel Vouchers in Baltimore
1. Call 211 First
Dial 211 from anywhere in Baltimore City. Operators are available 24 hours and have real-time information on which Baltimore programs currently have hotel voucher funding. Always start here.
What to say: “I am homeless in Baltimore City and need emergency hotel or motel assistance tonight. I am currently [sleeping outside / in my car / in a shelter that is full]. I have [pets / partner / medical condition / children — mention any that apply].”
2. Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS)
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services is the lead agency coordinating all homelessness services in Baltimore City. They manage the city’s coordinated entry system and emergency housing funds — including hotel placement programs.
Phone: 410-396-7100 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Address: 417 E Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21202 After hours: Call 211 for emergency referrals Website: baltimorecity.gov/homeless
What MOHS can do: Connect you to current hotel placement programs, emergency shelter openings, rapid rehousing referrals, and the full Baltimore City housing resource network.
Coordinated Entry: MOHS runs Baltimore’s coordinated entry system. Being assessed through coordinated entry is the gateway to most permanent housing programs in the city — including transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and Section 8 prioritization for people experiencing homelessness.
3. Health Care for the Homeless
One of Baltimore’s most respected homeless service organizations, Health Care for the Homeless provides integrated healthcare, case management, and emergency housing assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Their staff can connect you to hotel voucher programs and emergency housing resources.
Phone: 410-837-5533 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (extended hours at some sites) Address (main): 421 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202 (near Baltimore City Courthouse) Website: hchmd.org Languages: English and Spanish; interpreter services available
Mobile outreach: Health Care for the Homeless also operates mobile teams that reach people sleeping on the streets. If you are unsheltered in Baltimore, you may be approached by outreach workers who can connect you to resources.
4. Helping Up Mission (Men)
Helping Up Mission is one of Baltimore’s largest and most comprehensive homeless service providers for men. With over 400 beds and a full continuum of services including spiritual care, job training, healthcare, and housing assistance, HUM serves men 18 and older.
Phone: 410-675-7500 Intake hours: Daily — call first for current intake times Address: 1029 E Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21202 Website: helpingupmission.org
Emergency hotel assistance: When HUM’s shelter is at capacity, staff can connect men to emergency hotel placements through their network of city partners. Call first to check bed availability before arranging a hotel placement.
Who they serve: Men 18 and older. No ID required. Accepts people in recovery and those actively using substances (though the program itself is substance-free).
5. My Sister’s Place (Women and Children)
My Sister’s Place is Baltimore City’s primary emergency shelter and housing resource for women and children. They provide a safe, trauma-informed environment with case management, healthcare referrals, childcare support, and emergency housing placement.
Phone: 410-235-8800 Intake: Call first — intake is scheduled Address: 201 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202 Website: mspwomen.org Languages: English and Spanish
Emergency hotel placements: When My Sister’s Place is at capacity, they arrange emergency hotel placements for women and children who cannot be turned away safely. Call even if you think they might be full — they will assess your situation and find an option.
DV survivors: My Sister’s Place has a specific program for domestic violence survivors and can arrange confidential placements. You do not need a police report.
6. Baltimore Station (Men — Veterans and Others)
Baltimore Station is a transitional housing program serving men, with a particular focus on homeless veterans and men in recovery from substance use. They also connect men to emergency housing resources when their program is full.
Phone: 410-727-1434 Address: 140 W West St, Baltimore, MD 21230 Website: baltimorestation.org
Veterans: Baltimore Station is an excellent first contact for male veterans experiencing homelessness in Baltimore, alongside the VA Baltimore campus.
7. Salvation Army Baltimore
The Salvation Army operates across Baltimore City providing emergency assistance including hotel vouchers, food, clothing, and utility help.
Baltimore City Command:
- Phone: 410-539-4884
- Address: 814 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (assistance applications)
Northeast Baltimore Corps:
- Phone: 410-483-4050
- Address: 4601 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214
What to say: “I need emergency housing assistance — I have no place to sleep tonight. Do you have emergency hotel or motel vouchers available?”
8. Catholic Charities of Baltimore
Catholic Charities serves anyone in need regardless of religion and maintains emergency housing funds across Baltimore City. They can provide hotel vouchers, rental assistance, food, and connections to longer-term housing resources.
Main line: 410-547-5490 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Website: catholiccharities-md.org
East Baltimore office: 2305 E Oliver St, Baltimore, MD 21213 | 410-732-2080 West Baltimore office: 2601 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21218 | 410-669-0228
9. Paul’s Place (Southwest Baltimore)
Paul’s Place serves the Southwest Baltimore community with emergency assistance, meals, healthcare, and housing support. They maintain small emergency housing funds for residents of their service area.
Phone: 410-644-4500 Address: 1118 Ward St, Baltimore, MD 21230 Hours: Weekdays — call for current service hours Website: paulsplace.org
10. Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO)
GEDCO operates multiple programs serving elderly and vulnerable people in Baltimore City, including emergency housing assistance and hotel placements for seniors and people with disabilities.
Phone: 410-433-8900 Website: gedco.org
Particularly helpful for seniors (60+) and people with disabilities who may not qualify for or be comfortable in standard emergency shelter settings.
Baltimore City Coordinated Entry — How It Works
Baltimore uses a coordinated entry system that is your gateway to most permanent housing programs. Here is how to access it:
- Call 211 or go to the MOHS office
- You are assessed using the VI-SPDAT tool — a brief questionnaire about your housing history, health, and vulnerability
- Based on your score and household type, you are matched to the most appropriate housing program — rapid rehousing, transitional housing, or permanent supportive housing
- You are placed on a prioritized list for available housing slots
Being in the coordinated entry system is critical. Even if you get a hotel voucher tonight, ask the placing agency to refer you to coordinated entry at the same time. Do not wait.
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Baltimore
| Priority Group | Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Highest priority — outreach teams actively seek them |
| Families with children | Top priority; My Sister’s Place and family shelters prioritize |
| Women alone | My Sister’s Place, YWCA Baltimore |
| Domestic violence survivors | Confidential placements available through multiple programs |
| Veterans | Baltimore Station, VA Baltimore, HUD-VASH program |
| People with HIV/AIDS | Chase Brexton Health Care, HOPWA funds |
| Seniors (62+) | GEDCO and county programs prioritize elderly homeless |
| People with serious mental illness | PATH outreach, mental health emergency housing |
| Couples | Hotel placements specifically serve couples who cannot use gender-separated shelter |
| People with pets | Limited pet-friendly options — call 211 and ask specifically |
What to Do During Your Baltimore Hotel Placement
Day 1 — Apply for food immediately: Apply for Maryland SNAP at mydhhr.maryland.gov or call 1-800-332-6347. With zero income you qualify for the maximum benefit. See our guide on how to apply for SNAP when homeless.
Day 1 — Enter coordinated entry: Call 211 or MOHS and ask to be referred to Baltimore’s coordinated entry system. This is your pathway to rapid rehousing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
Day 1–3 — Apply for Medicaid: Apply at mydhhr.maryland.gov — free healthcare including mental health and substance use treatment.
Ongoing — Apply for rapid rehousing: Baltimore has active rapid rehousing programs funded through the CoC. Ask MOHS or your case manager to connect you. Rapid rehousing can move you into a permanent apartment within weeks.
Ongoing — Apply for Section 8: Contact Baltimore City Housing Authority at 410-396-3232. Baltimore’s Section 8 waitlist is extremely long — apply now while pursuing faster options. See our housing vouchers guide for all programs. You can also see our Section 8 guide for full application details.
Emergency Shelter Alternatives in Baltimore
If hotel voucher programs are fully funded or unavailable:
| Shelter | Phone | Who Served |
|---|---|---|
| Helping Up Mission | 410-675-7500 | Men 18+ |
| My Sister’s Place | 410-235-8800 | Women and children |
| Baltimore Station | 410-727-1434 | Men (veterans and others) |
| Weinberg Housing & Resource Center | 410-625-0775 | Men and women |
| Beans and Bread | 410-563-5948 | Day services, men |
| Salvation Army Baltimore | 410-539-4884 | Men, women, families |
Call 211 first — operators know which facilities have open beds tonight. Browse our emergency shelters guide for additional shelter options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hotel voucher for homeless in Baltimore City?
Call 211 immediately — available 24 hours. Tell the operator you are in Baltimore City and need emergency hotel or motel assistance. You can also call the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services at 410-396-7100 during business hours, or contact Helping Up Mission (men: 410-675-7500) or My Sister’s Place (women: 410-235-8800) directly.
Are hotel vouchers free in Baltimore?
Yes. Emergency hotel and motel vouchers for homeless people in Baltimore City are completely free. The issuing agency pays the hotel directly on your behalf. You pay nothing for the room.
Can couples get hotel vouchers together in Baltimore?
Yes. This is one of the primary uses of hotel vouchers in Baltimore — gender-separated shelters cannot house couples together. Call 211 and specifically mention that you are a couple needing to stay together. Hotel placements are the standard solution for this.
Are there hotel vouchers for women in Baltimore?
Yes. My Sister’s Place at 410-235-8800 is the primary resource for women and children in Baltimore City. They serve women in all circumstances — domestic violence survivors, women with substance use challenges, women with mental illness, and women who simply have nowhere to go. Call even if you think they might be full.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Baltimore?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 directly rather than general 211 programs. The VA Maryland Health Care System (Baltimore VA) has dedicated homeless veteran programs including HUD-VASH vouchers, SSVF rapid rehousing, and transitional housing through Baltimore Station. Do not use general programs first — veteran resources are better funded.
What if I have a pet and need a hotel voucher in Baltimore?
Call 211 and specifically mention your pet. Some Baltimore programs work with pet-friendly hotels or motels. Availability is limited but exists. Do not assume — always ask. If no pet-friendly hotel placement is available, ask about kenneling options while you stay in shelter.
How does Baltimore’s coordinated entry system work?
Baltimore uses a coordinated entry system administered by the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services. When you call 211 or MOHS, you are assessed using a standardized tool that measures your housing history and vulnerability. Based on your assessment, you are matched to the most appropriate housing program. Being in the coordinated entry system is your fastest path to permanent housing in Baltimore.
What is the fastest way to get permanent housing in Baltimore?
Enter Baltimore’s coordinated entry system through 211 or MOHS and apply for rapid rehousing — this is the fastest path from homelessness to a permanent apartment in the city. Rapid rehousing placements can happen within weeks. Simultaneously apply for Section 8 through Baltimore City Housing Authority and for permanent supportive housing if you have a disability or chronic homelessness history.