A Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is in effect from Sunday, 6/22 through Thursday, 6/26. Cooling centers around the city will be open various times between 8:30 am – 7 pm. Call 311 for availability and locations. Find more info here.

X
Tips to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

07.21.22

Maryland summers are hot and getting hotter. But you’ll experience the heat differently depending on whether you have housing and where you live.

Factors like discriminatory housing, less tree cover, and a lack of central air mean that temperatures in West and East Baltimore are up to 15 degrees hotter on average than in wealthier parts of the city. People experiencing homelessness are especially at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and worsening existing health problems.

We’ve gathered a few tips for staying safe during the summer months, and ways to help your neighbors do the same.

  • Keep water, electrolyte drinks, and snacks on hand to offer to neighbors with no shelter from the heat.
  • Know the signs of heat stroke: confusion, hot and flushed skin, and no longer sweating while feeling hot.
  • Call 311 for cooling center locations during a Code Red, or extreme heat alert.
  • If you have A/C and know of friends or neighbors that don’t, consider inviting them inside for a cool-down chat.
  • Baltimore City’s public pools can offer relief from the heat. Click here for a list of hours and locations.
  • Generosity Showers offers free, safe showers from 9 AM-1 PM, Mon-Fri and the 2nd Saturday of every month outside our clinic at 421 Fallsway.

Beyond meeting immediate safety needs in extreme heat, explore the broader, structural issues that have led to environmental injustice in Baltimore in our Community of Practice on Homelessness conversation about race and the built environment. 

 

 

 

More Recent News


People stand in line for water bottles and other supplies. The image is black and white with a transparent red filter.
06.20.25

Baltimore is in the midst of its first heat wave of 2025. With temperatures topping 100 degrees, what can you do to stay safe?

2774
Headshots of staff members
05.09.25

Fast Fact: Between January and mid-May, eight staff members ventured into new roles at the agency. See who they are and read what they are looking forward to most! 

2768
Photo of a Black man with a short beard, glasses and flipped up brim
05.06.25

After five positions and nearly 20 years at the agency, we celebrate the promotion of Malcolm Williams, LCSW-C from Senior Client Relations Manager to Director of Community Relations & Engagement. In this new role, Malcolm will continue the work of centering client perspective and leadership at Health Care for the Homeless as well as leading important work toward racial equity and inclusion and strengthening community partnerships across our service areas. Get to know more about him and the new position.

2766
A green graphic promoting the National Health Care for the Homeless Council conference
04.29.25

The National Health Care for the Homeless Council was back in Baltimore, May 12-15, for their annual conference! This year's theme was “Building Communities.”

2761

View All News

Copyright © 2025 Health Care for the Homeless.

All Rights Reserved.

OUR HEADQUARTERS

421 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone: 410-837-5533

FOLLOW US

Facebook LinkedIn Instagram