Three federal policy priorities to get behind
Many of our public policies create and prolong homelessness. Regardless of the political party in office, each of us has the power and responsibility to make our values known.
In response to the changing political environment in 2025, our federal advocacy partners at the National Health Care for the Homeless Council encourage these three focus areas to rally behind:
Preserve Medicaid
Medicaid provides comprehensive health insurance to 55% of patients receiving care at Health Care for the Homeless programs (48% in Baltimore). Medicaid lowers overall system costs, improves health, and increases quality of life. Examples: Oppose Medicaid block grants and government inefficiencies like Medicaid work requirements.
Defend access to Substance Use Treatment
Providing comprehensive, coordinated treatment for behavioral health conditions (including mental health and opioid use disorder) is essential to addressing homelessness. Examples: Promote overdose prevention sites, expand access to medication, support affordable housing.
Protect the health and rights of people without homes
Encampment sweeps, fines or arrests do nothing to end homelessness. A decent society provides access to basics human needs – including health care services – without stigma, harassment or threats against patients or providers. Examples: Oppose “tent cities” and promote street outreach/medicine.
More Recent News
Earlier this year, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Bureau of Primary Health Care rolled out 2026 Community Health Quality Recognition Badges. Health Care for the Homeless received four badges
Preparing for reentry starts before release. Discover how Health Care for the Homeless staff are connecting with people behind prison walls, offering support and linking them to resources that can help make the transition home a little easier.
Major changes to Medicaid are coming, and Maryland estimates 175,000 people could lose their health coverage. For people experiencing homelessness, navigating new requirements and maintaining coverage can be especially hard. We talked with Nia Ballard of HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) about what’s changing, what she’s hearing from people across Maryland and why keeping people connected to health care matters.
Spend the day with our Fallsway Dental Team and get a behind-the-scenes look at a busy day of cleanings, fillings, dentures and everything in between. Meet the dedicated staff helping clients access the treatment they need while building lasting relationships and healthier smiles.