COVID-19 ISOLATION FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

Updated January 23, 2023

Starting January 9, 2023, the Baltimore City Health Department will be partnering with Helping Up Mission to provide a location for people experiencing homelessness to safely isolate during their COVID-19 infection. Currently, Baltimore City hospitals may refer individuals who consent to this program if they meet all eligibility criteria detailed below.

• If an individual is already engaged with a shelter or residential program, the hospital should contact that program to discuss return to the facility.
• For individuals requiring active behavioral health support, the hospital may also call the Here2Help Line at 410-433-5175 to inquire about programs that may be accepting Covid positive clients for treatment.

PLEASE NOTE: There are no clinical service providers at Helping Up Mission isolation units. Individuals referred for isolation must not require any evaluation or support from clinical personnel.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Person experiencing homelessness who is not otherwise engaged in a shelter or residential recovery program, AND
• Has tested positive for COVID-19 and is within 10 days of test date, AND
• Is medically stable and not requiring medical monitoring, AND
• Is able to perform activities of daily living independently and administer their own medication, AND
• Has at least a 10-day supply of all necessary medications or plan for delivery of medications (including methadone) AND
• Is referred by a hospital emergency room or inpatient setting

Referral Process:

• Individuals must be informed of and agree to plan for isolation at Helping Up Mission. Hospitals can access the client welcome letter here
• Intake hours
  • Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, intake must arrive on site by 6:00PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, intake must arrive on site by 4:00PM
• Call the referral line 410-929-6999 – select the option for men’s or women’s referral
• Please be prepared to answer questions regarding referral eligibility, including COVID test date and plan for patient’s 10-day medication supply
• If the referral is accepted, hospitals should provide COVID-safe transportation to Helping Up Mission.