The Current Situation

• In Baltimore: Nearly 1/2 of residents live below 200% of the federal poverty line 1/4 of residents live at or below the federal poverty line More than 1/2 of poor residents live in deep poverty meaning they live at or below 50% of the federal poverty line More than 1/3 of children in Baltimore City live in poor households.

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• In recent years, fatal drug overdoses have skyrocketed across the United States. Of all the major American cities where the opioid crisis has unfolded, Baltimore stands apart. It has one of the highest drug overdose rates in the country. 

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• Baltimore City disproportionately experiences negative ramifications of the statewide and national opioid epidemic. The disproportionate effects of the Crack Cocaine Epidemic, War on Drugs, Heroin, and the rise of Fentanyl in Baltimore City in comparison with other Maryland jurisdictions further amplify this.

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• 64.5% of those living on the streets of Baltimore City identified as men. This figure is consistent with national data showing that homelessness disproportionately affects men. Those identified as women accounted for 35% and less than 1% identified as transgender or gender nonconforming.

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• One-in-five of all adults self-reported as having a substance use disorder and over 40% reported having a serious mental illness. When considering current accommodations, these rates were highest among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

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• Youth are defined as unaccompanied minors and young adults up to 24 years of age that lack a fixed, adequate residence. Youth accounted for 17% of the total homeless population during 2022 and the unsheltered, “street” homeless, population includes almost 9% of people 24 years of age or younger.

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• Twelve percent of our homeless population are children, under the age of 18, experiencing homelessness with a parent/guardian.

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