This Baltimore Beat section aims to help the community with resources and support they may not know are available. We ask people to share this information with anyone they know who could find it helpful.
Baltimore Beat would like its readers to know that you will find some of these programs available outside of Baltimore City. We try to inform our readers of income amounts for the programs tailored to Baltimore’s limits. Specifically, we use the example of a household of four people, although many of these programs are for individuals as well!
Have something you want us to add? Email support@baltimorebeat.com!
Tax Services
IRS Free File
If your Adjusted Gross Income is $73,000 or less, you’re eligible to use the IRS’s free federal and low-cost state tax service.
You can find more information at apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile
FreeTaxUSA
Yes, the name sounds funny, but FreeTaxUSA has been around since 2001 and is a member of the IRS Free File Alliance. For those making more than $73,000 per year or those with slightly more difficult returns, the self-guided software tops out at less than $25 to file your taxes with both the federal and state governments.
Find more information at freetaxusa.com
EMPLOYMENT
Turnaround Tuesday
2519 N Charles St.
Turnaround Tuesday’s mission is to aid the unemployed and underemployed in secure liveable wage jobs and develop leadership capacity in our neighborhoods. They provide outreach and recruitment in Baltimore City, case management, assistance with resume and interview preparation, and weekly training sessions. Visit turnaroundtuesday.org
Contact: info@turnaroundtuesday.org or call: (443) 488-1995
Housing, Utility, and Rent Assistance
Maryland Homeowner Assistance Program
This program helps people with their homeowner mortgage payments and other housing costs due to COVID-19 related hardships. For example, in Maryland a family of four with a household income of less than $111,750 is eligible for assistance.
Visit: marylandhaf.com/prescreening or call: 1-877-462-7555
Stop Oppressive Seizures Fund
This program helps people stay in their homes with various services to help those affected by tax sales. For example, in Maryland, a family of four with a household income of less than $111,750 is eligible for assistance.
Visit: thesosfund.com
Affordable Connectivity Program
This program helps households pay for internet service and internet-connected devices. You could qualify if you’re a household of four making at or less than $55,500 per year. You can apply online, call for an application at (877) 384-2575, or contact your current internet company.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
This program assists with heating and cooling bills. For example, a family of four with a household income below $48,563 is eligible. You can apply online, by printing and mailing the application found here, or by calling (800) 332-6347 for an application.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program
Renters, homeowners, and residents of public housing are all eligible. The income eligibility is determined by how much you have made in the past 30 days. For example, a household of 4 making at or below $6000 per month is eligible. You can apply online, by printing and mailing the application found here, or by calling (800) 332-6347 for an application.
Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program
Provides weatherization assistance to residents of Maryland to help with energy costs. This could include upgrades to your home, even if you are renting. For example, a household of 4 making at or below $55,500 is eligible. You can apply online, by printing and mailing the application found here, or by calling (410) 396-3023 with questions.
Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers
The Lifeline program provides discounts on cell phone services for low-income individuals and families. Consumers can qualify for this service if their income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines. For example, a family of four making less than $37,462 would be eligible in Maryland. Assurance Wireless has plans available here, or you can call them at (888) 321-5880.
Harbel Community Organization Inc – Housing Partnership Workshop
5807 Harford Rd
This program offers free virtual workshops to assist people looking to purchase their first home.
To register, go to harbel.org
Contact: (410) 444-9152
Civic Works – Elder Service
2701 St Lo Drive
This is a fall-preventing program to make homes safer for older adults living in Baltimore City. Services are for 65 & older adults that include safety repairs, referrals to supportive services & occupational therapy. The Housing Upgrades to Benefit Seniors (HUBS) program can assist and connect you to more home repair resources & support services.
Contact: (443) 470-9871 or email: HUBSintake@civicworks.com
Franciscan Center Eviction Support
101 W 23rd Street
The Center will assist Baltimore City residents with eviction notices. They will pay up to $200 toward an eviction total. The check will go directly to the landlord and be confirmed with the client. No fees or eligibility, but you need to show proof that you have money to cover the rest of the cost.
Contact: info@fcbmore.org
House of Ruth – Emergency Shelter
2201 Argonne Drive
This service is for women and children who are in imminent danger. It is open from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Contact: (410) 889-7884 (24-Hour Hotline)
Day Center for Homeless Individuals
17 Bond Street, Westminster MD
For individuals over the age of 18 experiencing homelessness. Provides basic toiletries like toothbrushes and clothing. Phones are available to apply for jobs, food assistance, and other programs. The Human Service program can also provide case management, rapid rehousing resources, job opportunities, and more. Operates Monday to Friday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Contact: (443) 201-3428
Project PLASE Inc – Permanent Housing for Homeless Individuals (subsidized permanent housing)
3601 Old Frederick Rd
This service provides permanent housing to individuals and families in need. The programs include rental assistance programs and single-room occupancy.
Contact: (410) 837-1400
Project PLASE Inc. – Housing for Homeless Veterans
3601 Old Frederick Rd
This program offers services to qualified veterans, including rapid rehousing, 1st-month rent, security deposit, housing placement, utility assistance, eviction prevention, and referral to public and social service benefits.
Contact: Helen at (443) 720-9984 or intake at (410)837-1400 ext 148
This service is for veterans only.
Project PLASE Inc – Temporary Housing for Homeless Individuals
3601 Old Frederick Rd
This program helps to shelter and serve homeless adults. This includes 24-hour supported supervision, on-site nursing and counseling services, and resident case management. Residents are given daily meals, linens, bus tokens, assistance with medical appointments, and clothing.
Location #1: Beacon House Square 3549 Old Frederick Rd
Location #2: 1814 Maryland Ave. Accessible to those with disabilities
Contact: (410) 837-1400
WATER4ALL DISCOUNT PROGRAM
Water4All is a new water billing discount program designed to create more equitable access to water assistance for more Baltimore City residents. Baltimore City residential households whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may be eligible. A family of four whose income is below $60,000 will qualify.
https://cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/Water4All
(410) 396-5555.
Health Services
Cost Plus Drugs
An online pharmacy that doesn’t take insurance but instead prices generic prescriptions at their cost plus fifteen percent. The result is many affordable medications that are sometimes less than insurance co-pays.
You can download the form here for yourself and your doctor or start by visiting the site online.
Baltimore City Health Department
Baltimore City offers free COVID-19 and flu vaccines to adults and children between 6 months – 17 years old.
Call 410-396-4454 or register online at marylandvax.org
Azlheimer’s Association Greater Maryland Chapter
Provides free education programs and support groups for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, those with other dementia, and their caregivers.
The 24/7 Helpline can be reached at 800-272-3900.
Bringing Hope Community Services (BHCS) Mental Health Services:
7500 Harford Rd 1st Floor Suite 2, Oakcrest Ave
Counselors may provide home visits when working with clients. The psychiatrists and therapists only provide office visits or telehealth. Psychiatrists perform psychiatric evaluations and determine if medication is needed. Therapists perform individual therapy and family therapy for families who need it. Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Contact: (410) 999-1937 or info@bringinghopecommunityserv.com
Community Wellness Center
3310 Eastern Ave.
This outpatient health center consists of a psychiatric rehabilitation program and behavioral health home program that provides support to individuals and families throughout Baltimore City and Maryland.
Contact: (443) 708-5056 or info@cwmd.org
SPARC Women’s Center
908 Washington Boulevard
The Women’s Center supports people who identify as women, a gender, nonbinary, and all other non-men identities who engage in street-based survival activities. They currently provide delivery services of harm reduction supplies and safer sex supplies. The Center also provides STI testing, emotional support, case management, free psychiatric services, and sexual health supplies. Operates Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 4 pm
Contact: (410) 624-7554 or (602) 935-7554
Franciscan Center Prescription Support Services (Medications)
101 W 23rd St
Works with Safeway Pharmacy on Charles and 24th Street to help cover the cost of medicine/prescriptions. New prescriptions will be fully covered at that location. Transferred prescriptions will be discounted. Narcotics are not covered. No fees, but you must be a Baltimore City resident.
Contact: (410) 467-5340 and option 2 for client services or info@fcbmore.org
Franciscan Center Eyeglass Support
101 W 23rd St
The Center has partnerships with various eyeglass businesses around Baltimore City. They can pay $70 for glasses and additional services. You must be a Baltimore City resident & the Center is asking residents to bring validated estimated cost from the eyeglass shop back to the Franciscan Center. They will write a check for up to $70 and send it directly to the shop. This does not include Walmart or America’s Best.
Contact: (410) 467-5340 and option 2 for client services or info@fcbmore.org
Franciscan Center Dental Referrals & Support
101 W 23rd St
The Center works with Baltimore City Health Department Dental Clinics to help pay for dental care. You must be a Baltimore City resident to be eligible.
Contact: (410) 467-5340 and option 2 for client services or info@fcbmore.org
Harbel Community Organization Inc – Prevention and Recovery Center
5807 Harford Rd
Outpatient substance abuse prevention and treatment center serving adults and adolescents in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. Mental health is also provided here as well as Medicaid, Medicare, and some private insurance are accepted.
Contact: (410) 444-2100 ext 1019 info@harbel.org
Moveable Feast (Medical Transportation)
901 N Milton Ave
They offer free, accessible door-to-door transportation to medical appointments for low-income Baltimore City clients living with HIV. Medical Transportation can take clients to primary medical or support services such as physician appointments, picking up prescription medications, and attending support groups.
Eligibility for transportation: Individual has been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS + has limited access to transportation for medical appointments.
Contact: Transportation – Teyana Johnson tjohnson@mfeast.org
Phone: (410) 327-3420
Moveable Feast (Medical Nutrition Therapy)
901 N Milton Ave
Providing home visits and phone counseling, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists work with clients to create individualized nutrition plans.
Contact: info@mfeast.org & (410) 327-3420
Turning Corners – Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment
260 Gateway Drive Suite 15-16A Bel-Air, MD
Provides drug and alcohol evaluations to determine the effects of substance use and other problems for the client.
Contact: (410) 893-3896
Turning Corners – Relapse Prevention Program
260 Gateway Drive Suite 15-16A Bel-Air, MD
This program helps show clients the signs of relapse before it occurs. The weekly therapeutic group provides support to maintain gains and improve skills, plus additional assistance with family involvement education.
Contact: (410) 893-3896
Food Delivery and Distribution
Umar Boxing
1217 W North Ave
Provides food for families or individuals in need every Wednesday from 12 pm to 1 pm.
Contact: (410) 728-3600
Land of Kush (Tierra de Kush)
840 West Eutaw Street
Provides food for families or individuals every Monday from 4 pm to 5 pm.
For more updates, go to: facebook.com/TheLandofKush
Contact: (410) 225-5874
Franciscan Center Prepared Meals
101 W 23rd St
Monday to Friday from 10 am to 1 pm daily meals. Along with dinners being served from 5:30 pm to 7 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They help everyone in need.
Contact: (410) 467-5340 and option 2 for client services or info@fcbmore.org
Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry
2422 W Patapsco Ave
Provides food, diapers, and formula to those in need Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.
Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/fishesandloavespantry
Contact: (410) 525-0969 or fishesandloavespantry@yahoo.com
Yo! Baltimore West
1510 W Lafayette Ave
Provides food for families or individuals in need. Every Tuesday from 12 pm to 1 pm.
Contact: info@foodrescuebaltimore.org
Be More Green Food Rescue
2036 W North Ave
Provides food for families or individuals in need every Friday from 12 pm to 1 pm.
Contact: info@foodrescuebaltimore.org
Old Major/Historic Pigtown Food Rescue
900 S Carey St
Provides food for families or individuals in need every Thursday from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Contact: info@foodrescuebaltimore.org
City Place on the Avenue
610 Pennsylvania Ave
Provides fresh produce and grocery giveaway until resources are gone every Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm.
Contact: (240) 705-4345
New Shiloh Baptist Church Pantry
2100 N Monroe St
Provides a food pantry for anyone in need on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 am to 1 pm.
Contact: (410) 523-5306 ext 12 & email: jward@newshilohbaptist.org
Bmore Community Food
300 West 24th St
Weekly distribution every Saturday from 2 pm to 3:30 pm. Includes one box of about 20 pounds of produce per 3 family members for a $10 donation.
How to apply: fill out a survey on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/food4bmore/.
Contact: (844) 529-3077
Bmore Community Food Delivery
300 West 24th St
Service is provided for those who are disabled, elderly, or otherwise limited in mobility.
Ask to call to arrange services: (844) 529-3077
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/food4bmore/
Access Art in Morrell Park
2446 Washington Blvd
This service provides free food for individuals or families in need every Thursday from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Contact: info@foodrescuebaltimore.org
Bea Gaddy Family Center
425 N Charles St
The walk-in food pantry is open to the public Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm. To receive food Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, you must be registered to vote and a Maryland resident. If you still need to register to vote, the center will help register you. Anyone can walk in and receive food on Thursdays without registration.
Contact: (410) 563-2749 & email: beagaddy@bea-gaddy.org
The Bit Center Food Distribution
315 Homestead Southway
Provides community meals delivered home to individuals who qualify every Tuesday from 12 pm to 3 pm. Check eligibility at thebitcenter.org
Contact: (410) 547-9934
First Mount Calvary Baptist Food Pantry
1142 North Fulton Ave
The church provides prepared meals, a food pantry, and food delivery.
Prepared Meals are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Food Pantry is offered every 3rd and 4th Friday of each month from 4 pm to 6 pm. Grab-and-go lunches are every Wednesday at 11 am.
Home Delivery as needed; please call (410) 728-8782 about how to enroll.
40 West Assistance & Referral Center
4711 Edmondson Ave
Provides food and material assistance to those in need. Staff at the center can provide education about and refer to additional assistance resources. When appropriate, they provide clients to other public and private agencies which provide counseling, shelter, or other types of assistance. Food assistance at the center provides income-eligible clients and their families with food once per month.
Referral Services are on a needs basis to anyone & food assistance only requires government-issued picture identification.
Contact: (410) 233-4357 & email: info@40west.org
Harbel Community Organization Inc – Food Pantry & Free Meals
5807 Harford Rd
For ages 18 and younger, you can pick up a free & nutritious meal Monday to Friday at Harbel, and breakfast is served from 9 am to 10 am while lunch is from 12 pm to 2 pm.
Individuals older have access to the food pantry by walking in or calling ahead during regular business hours, 9 am to 4 pm, from Monday to Friday.
Contact: (410) 444-2100 or info@harbel.org
God is King Center
208 S Pulaski St.
This center provides individuals with hot meals, beverages, canned foods, and clothes.
Every Sunday from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Contact: (443) 895-5456 or email: irvdrl@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/godiskingcenter
Financial Services
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has options for you if you need access to a retail bank to cash checks, and your mobile phone is not an option.
The Clear Access Banking account has a $5 monthly fee that is waived if the primary account holder is between 13-24 years old.
The Everyday Checking account has a $10 fee that is waived with a $500 balance or $500 in direct deposits monthly.
Wells Fargo has locations throughout Baltimore.
SoFi
If you can use your mobile phone to do your banking, SoFi has an attractive option. They have no overdraft or account fees and 2.50% annual interest on your balances. Sign up here.
Bringing Hope Community Services (BHCS) Support Services
7500 Harford Rd 1st Floor Suite 2, Oakcrest Ave
PRP counselors assist clients in securing other resources in their community, such as health insurance, transportation, income, food, energy, and water assistance. Other services provided by BHCS are clothing donations to individuals in need, children’s toys donations, money and anger management, along with shelter placement for the homeless.
Contact: (410) 999-1937 or info@bringinghopecommunityserv.com
Center for Urban Families
2201 N. Monroe St
A program that offers job training with the support of coaches and peers. Training that focuses on improving job-seeking skills, improving workplace behavior, appearance, and attitude. This program is for all young adults and adults.
Contact: (410) 367-5691
House of Ruth – Ruth’s Closet
Valley Village Shopping Center 9131 Reisterstown Rd (back, lower level)
This women’s resale boutique sells gently used clothing, shoes, and jewelry at steep discounts.
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday are from 10 am to 5 pm, and Fridays are from 10 am to 2 pm.
Northwest Career Center
Mondawmin Mall Suite 302 (3rd Floor)
This center provides programs for anyone interested in trade skills. They offer services so individuals can find employment, prepare resumes and enhance job readiness skills. All services are free or low cost.
Contact: (410) 396-7873
TaxiCard Program
6300 Blair Hill Lane Suite 301
A program where if you are 60 years or older, you get free credits to use for taxis. .
You can apply online at caretaxicard.com this paper to print & mail in.
This service is for seniors only.
Contact: (410) 664-1123
Women of Valor
715 Ingleside Ave
Provides one-on-one counseling and support to help low-income or homeless women in Baltimore get back on their feet, find services, and get job training. They also have a weekly food pantry available One of the services they provide is job training for any individuals who are looking for new employment skills.
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm & weekly food pantry on Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm.
Contact: (443) 800-3188
Legal Services
Pro Bono Resource Center
Provides legal assistance with eviction prevention, debt collection, and immigration assistance to those in need. Estate planning to a family of four making less than $79,000 a year and foreclosure assistance to a family of four making less than $157,650.
Call: 410-837-9379 or visit: probonomd.org/for-legal-help
Maryland Court Help Centers
Free legal brief advice for civil matters. Phone assistance is available at 410-260-1392 and chat services at https://www.mdcourts.gov/helpcenter from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday. There is also an in-person center at the Baltimore City District Court on 501 East Fayette Street, which is open from Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and a center at the Baltimore City Circuit Court for family law issues at 111 N. Calvert St., Room 114, which is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Centers in other counties can be found at https://www.mdcourts.gov/helpcenter/inperson
Maryland Legal Aid
Maryland Legal Aid provides a full range of free civil legal services to financially eligible individuals from 12 office locations. Our legal work helps to protect peoples’ basic needs and human rights.
Get help by calling 1-888-465-2468 or apply at https://www.mdlab.org/get-help-services/.
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
MVLS provides free legal help for income-qualified Marylanders in six legal areas – family, consumer, housing, expungement, tax issues and estate planning/administration. Phone intake is available from Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm at 410-547-6537. Online application is available anytime (https://mvlslaw.org/free-legal-help/). Note – for a family law matter, please use phone intake.
Student Services
Baltimore City Public Schools
200 East North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202
The Re-Engagement Center is where school-disconnected young people and those returning from incarceration can get a variety of services and help to reengage with school. This includes, but isn’t limited to, mentoring, mental health assistance, job readiness programs, and connections to other support services. There is a storefront where students can get shoes, apparel, and school supplies for free from the retailer DTLR.
Contact: 443-642-4220
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Recruitment Team
Baltimore City Recreation is actively recruiting teens and adults interested in becoming a lifeguard. The pay rate is $16 per hour, including free swimming and lifeguard training certification. Those taking advantage of the training must commit to working for Baltimore City for the upcoming season. The four-day course is offered on both weekends and weekdays. Contact tiffany.ponton@baltimorecity.gov or call: 443-934-7693
OTHER SERVICES
Imagination Library Baltimore – The Dollywood Foundation
This program mails a free, monthly, age-appropriate book to all registered children up to 5 years old. You can check availability and eligibility, and complete the online registration here.
Contact: william.jernigan1@maryland.gov
Return Home Baltimore
Web-based resource for citizens in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, who are returning home from incarceration or have a criminal record and need help. Resources include housing, job training, mental health, food, addiction services, legal aid, and more.
Visit: returnhome.org or email: info@returnhome.org
Another great resource to find more help can be found at http://www.findhelp.org/
Baltimore Beat would like its readers to know that you will find some of these programs available outside of Baltimore City. We try to inform our readers of income amounts for the programs tailored to Baltimore’s limits. Specifically, we use the example of a household of four people, although many of these programs are for individuals as well!
Have something you want us to add? Email support@baltimorebeat.com!