2026 Client Resource Fair Recap

Clients Connect with Resources at 2nd Annual Client Resource Fair

On July 24, Health Care for the Homeless hosted its second annual Client Resource Fair, creating a one-stop opportunity for clients to connect with resources across Baltimore and Maryland. More than a dozen city agencies and community partners participated, helping clients explore legal services, employment opportunities, food resources, reentry support and other services aligned with their goals.

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"It went really great," said Health Care for the Homeless Director of Community Relations and Engagement Malcolm Williams, who organized the event. "I had clients tell me that they got set up to meet with lawyers. And I heard from a vendor who was able to secure emergency food resources for that weekend for a family."

For Malcolm, the accessibility of the event is critical. "We work hard to remove barriers to resources and having everyone in one place was key."

For some attendees, the fair also provided an introduction to Health Care for the Homeless.

It was LaKesha's first time visiting our Fallsway clinic. "The resources were really helpful, especially the resources for kids. I got a flyer from ROCA. They have a Family Fun Day coming up in August," said LaKesha. "I'll pass this info on to my friends and neighbors. Any way that this can help someone out is a good feeling for me."

Tools for Overdose Prevention and Recovery

From peer advocates to recovery groups to life-saving medication, several organizations offered tools to help community members respond to overdoses and access treatment and support.

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Woodrow McCoy, a client and member of the Consumer Relations Committee at Health Care for the Homeless, left the Resource Fair with lifesaving knowledge. "Maryland Legal Aid explained to me about the Good Samaritan law (which offers legal protection to people who assist in an emergency overdose situation). Nowadays, you never know what you may run into. Somebody on the street, somebody on the bus. You can use Narcan to bring them back."

Students from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy offered naloxone at their table, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. "You never know when you might see somebody who's overdosed. It can even happen accidentally," said Solomon Jenkins, a third-year student.

"Destigmatizing treatment is really important because that becomes a barrier," added Ifeatu Menakaya, a fourth-year student. "People are concerned about how they are perceived. You have to meet them where they are at."

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Exploring New Opportunities

At a table hosted by the Mayor's Office of Employment Development, clients explored job training programs and learned about upcoming job fairs.

"I'm interested in getting my CDL (commercial driver's license) and in peer specialist training," said Monte, a Health Care for the Homeless client. "It's a blessing that Health Care for the Homeless has this, especially so clients who are able to work can work and have a great start."

Resources for Every Member of the Family

Clients discovered resources and support for kids, seniors and even four-legged family members.

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Cassie, a Health Care for the Homeless client, was excited to connect with B-More Dog. "You don't typically see resources for pets at events like this." Her English bulldog is named Fiona. "She's seven or eight, we're not really sure. B-More Dog gave me resources to help with vet visits, food and vaccinations."

Cassie also took the time to check out other tables. "I spoke with Our Daily Bread and the Mayor's Office about job opportunities. And I saw Maryland Legal Aid. They've helped me with expungements in the past, so I have proof that they do what they say they will do." 

Promoting Health and Wellness

Representatives from Maryland Physicians Care shared information about health coverage and preventive care. "We want to educate the community and help them be advocates in their own health journey," said Darryl Gray of Maryland Physicians Care.

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At a table for the Maryland Food Bank, the SNAP Team connected attendees to food benefits and nutrition programs. "Food is often what people sacrifice in order to pay for their other expenses," said Claudet Miranda Zabrano. "We want to make sure eligible individuals are connected to programs like SNAP and WIC that could free up some of their income to spend on other necessities."

A Stronger Community

By bringing people and like-minded organizations together in one place, the Resource Fair helped build connections across the community.

"Not everybody has the chance to go to an event where they can find all these services under one roof," said Emmett Burns of Our Daily Bread Employment Center. Plus, he added, "resource fairs allow people to discover resources they didn't even know they needed." 

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"People in the community need resources and they don't know where to go. We are here to let them know that someone cares about their well-being and that they aren't alone," said James Brown, a peer navigator with the Enoch Pratt Free Library. "If we can be a better community, we'll be a better nation."

 

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