Maryland has one of the highest costs of living in the United States, and the gap between wages and housing costs pushes thousands of residents into homelessness each year. The state has more than 6,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, concentrated heavily in Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County — but present in every corner of the state.
Emergency hotel and motel voucher programs operate across Maryland through a combination of state-funded programs, county social services, and local nonprofits. This guide from House for Homeless explains how to find and access emergency hotel assistance anywhere in Maryland tonight. For programs in other states, see our hotel vouchers for homeless national guide.
Need a hotel voucher in Maryland tonight? Call 211 immediately — Maryland 211 is available 24 hours a day. Tell the operator your county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
How Emergency Hotel Vouchers Work in Maryland
Maryland does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel and motel assistance is funded through a combination of:
- State Emergency Management funds — administered through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
- County social services departments — each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City administers its own emergency assistance
- HUD Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) — federal funds distributed to local nonprofits
- Community Action Agencies — locally funded organizations with emergency housing funds
- Nonprofits and faith-based organizations — particularly strong in Baltimore, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County
The fastest route to what is currently available in your county is always 211.
Maryland State Programs Supporting Hotel Vouchers
Maryland Homeless Solutions Program (HSP)
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development administers the Homeless Solutions Program, which funds local organizations providing emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and transitional housing — including hotel placements in some jurisdictions.
DHCD contact: 410-514-7006 or 800-756-0119 Website: dhcd.maryland.gov
Maryland Emergency Shelter Grant
Maryland distributes federal ESG funds to local nonprofits and county governments that provide emergency housing assistance, including hotel and motel placements. These funds are administered locally — call 211 to find the organization serving your county.
Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism
During declared emergencies and extreme weather events, Maryland activates additional emergency housing resources through coordinated state response. During severe winter storms or heat emergencies, additional hotel voucher funding is often made available — call 211 to ask about current emergency activations.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Maryland by Region
Baltimore City
Baltimore City has the highest concentration of homelessness in Maryland and the most robust emergency housing infrastructure.
Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) The primary coordinator of homeless services in Baltimore City. MOHS operates the city’s coordinated entry system and manages emergency hotel placement funds.
- Phone: 410-396-7100
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- After hours: Call 211 for emergency referrals
- Website: baltimorecity.gov/homeless
Health Care for the Homeless Provides healthcare, case management, and emergency housing assistance for people experiencing homelessness in Baltimore.
- Phone: 410-837-5533
- Address: 421 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202
Helping Up Mission (men only) One of Baltimore’s largest homeless service providers for men. Provides emergency shelter and housing assistance.
- Phone: 410-675-7500
- Address: 1029 E Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Intake: Daily, call first for current hours
My Sister’s Place (women and children) Emergency shelter and housing assistance specifically for women and children experiencing homelessness in Baltimore.
- Phone: 410-235-8800
- Address: 201 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
Salvation Army Baltimore Provides emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers for individuals and families.
- Phone: 410-539-4884
- Address: 814 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Catholic Charities of Baltimore Emergency housing assistance for anyone in need regardless of faith.
- Phone: 410-547-5490
- Website: catholiccharities-md.org
Montgomery County
Montgomery County has a strong emergency housing network serving one of Maryland’s most expensive rental markets.
Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) The lead CoC agency coordinating homeless services in Montgomery County.
- Phone: 301-217-0314
- Website: mcch.net
County Department of Health and Human Services Emergency housing funds for Montgomery County residents.
- Phone: 240-777-4000
- After hours: 240-777-4000 (24-hour line)
Interfaith Works Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers for Montgomery County residents.
- Phone: 301-762-8682
- Website: iworksmc.org
CASA de Maryland Emergency housing assistance specifically for immigrant communities in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.
- Phone: 240-491-5100
- Website: wearecasa.org
Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County Department of Social Services Emergency housing assistance and hotel vouchers for county residents.
- Phone: 301-909-6300
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Bridges to Housing Stability Emergency rental assistance and hotel placements for Prince George’s County residents.
- Phone: 301-422-5062
- Website: bridgestohousing.org
Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers for residents of Laurel and surrounding areas.
- Phone: 301-776-0442
Anne Arundel County (Annapolis)
Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services Emergency housing assistance including hotel voucher referrals.
- Phone: 410-269-4500
Arundel House of Hope Emergency shelter and housing assistance in Anne Arundel County.
- Phone: 410-268-5241
- Website: arundelhouse.org
Light House Shelter (Annapolis) Comprehensive homeless services including emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 410-263-6414
Howard County
Howard County Department of Social Services Emergency housing assistance for Howard County residents.
- Phone: 410-313-6400
Howard County Housing Commission Emergency housing funds and referrals.
- Phone: 410-313-6318
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center 24-hour crisis services including emergency housing assistance in Howard County.
- Phone: 410-531-6677 (24 hours)
Frederick County
Frederick Community Action Agency Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers for Frederick County residents.
- Phone: 301-600-1506
Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers from faith-based network.
- Phone: 301-663-1194
Eastern Shore Maryland
- Lower Shore Shelter (Salisbury): 410-742-5519
- Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence (Easton): 410-822-1077
- Worcester County Department of Social Services: 410-632-1100
Western Maryland
- Western Maryland Community Action (Hagerstown): 301-733-2060
- Jefferson Terrace DSS (Cumberland): 301-784-7000
- United Way of Washington County: 301-739-0900
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Maryland
| Priority Group | Maryland-Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Highest priority statewide |
| Families with children | Top priority; McKinney-Vento protections apply |
| Domestic violence survivors | DV hotel vouchers available in every Maryland county |
| Seniors (62+) | Priority in most county programs |
| Veterans | Strong VA resources in Baltimore, Fort Meade area |
| People with HIV/AIDS | HOPWA funds available through Baltimore and major counties |
| Couples | Hotel placements address gender-separated shelter limits |
| People with pets | Limited — ask 211 specifically; some Maryland counties have pet-friendly options |
| Immigrants | CASA de Maryland and local nonprofits serve undocumented residents |
No income requirement for emergency placements — current homelessness is the primary criterion in most Maryland programs.
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Maryland — Step by Step
Step 1: Call 211 — Maryland 211 is available 24 hours and covers all 23 counties and Baltimore City. Give your county and explain your situation.
Step 2: If you are in Baltimore City, call the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services at 410-396-7100 during business hours or 211 after hours.
Step 3: Contact your county Department of Social Services directly. Ask specifically about “emergency hotel or motel assistance” — not just general housing help.
Step 4: Contact the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or your local Community Action Agency for emergency funds.
Step 5: If you are a veteran, call 877-424-3838 immediately — the VA Maryland Health Care System in Baltimore has dedicated homeless veteran resources.
City-Specific Guides in Maryland
More Maryland city guides coming soon. Call 211 for immediate local referrals anywhere in Maryland.
What to Do During Your Maryland Hotel Placement
Apply for food assistance: Apply for Maryland SNAP at mydhhr.maryland.gov or call 1-800-332-6347. With zero income, you qualify for maximum benefits and expedited 7-day processing. See our guide on how to apply for SNAP when homeless.
Apply for Maryland Medicaid: Apply at mydhhr.maryland.gov. Maryland has expanded Medicaid — eligibility is broad and covers mental health and substance use treatment.
Enter coordinated entry: Call 211 to be entered into your county’s coordinated entry system for rapid rehousing, transitional housing, and permanent housing referrals. See our guide on emergency rental assistance for another fast option.
Apply for Section 8: Contact your local Maryland PHA. Baltimore City Housing Authority: 410-396-3232. Maryland’s PHAs have long waitlists — apply now and to multiple PHAs. See our Section 8 guide for the full process, and browse all housing voucher programs for additional options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free hotel voucher for homeless in Maryland?
Call 211 from anywhere in Maryland — available 24 hours. Tell the operator your county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. In Baltimore City, you can also call the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services at 410-396-7100. Your county Department of Social Services, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities are also good contacts.
Does Maryland have a statewide hotel voucher program?
No. Maryland does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel assistance is funded and administered locally through county social services, Community Action Agencies, CoCs, and nonprofits. Programs and funding levels vary significantly by county — call 211 for what is available in your area.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless families in Maryland?
Yes. Families with children are the top priority for most Maryland emergency housing programs. Call 211 and specify that you have children. Children experiencing homelessness in Maryland are also protected under McKinney-Vento and automatically qualify for free school meals and school enrollment assistance.
Can I get a hotel voucher in Maryland without ID?
Many Maryland programs serve people without identification, particularly low-barrier programs. Do not let lack of ID prevent you from calling 211. Ask specifically for low-barrier emergency housing options. Free Maryland ID programs are available — ask 211 for resources in your county.
Are there hotel vouchers for domestic violence survivors in Maryland?
Yes. Every Maryland county has certified domestic violence programs that can arrange emergency hotel placements for survivors. Call the Maryland Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-MD-HELPS (1-800-634-3577) for immediate confidential referrals. You do not need a police report to access DV emergency housing.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Maryland?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 rather than general 211 lines. The VA Maryland Health Care System in Baltimore has significant homeless veteran resources including HUD-VASH vouchers and SSVF rapid rehousing. Fort Meade area veterans can also access VA resources through the Perry Point VA campus.
How long do hotel vouchers last in Maryland?
Most Maryland emergency placements last 1–7 nights, with extensions possible while longer-term housing is being arranged. Some county programs provide up to 30 nights for households with children or other vulnerable circumstances. Connect with a case manager on Day 1 to begin pursuing permanent housing options.
What if hotel voucher funding is exhausted in my Maryland county?
Call 211 and ask about emergency shelter bed availability, warming centers (in winter), and cooling centers (in summer). Contact neighboring county social services — some Maryland counties have more available funding than others at any given time. Local churches and nonprofits often maintain small emergency funds outside formal program structures.