Diverse groups rally for health care, re-entry, and stronger safety net

22^nd Annual Homeless Persons’ Lobby Day in Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS: On Thursday, February 17, more than 500 health care providers, students, people experiencing homelessness, and advocates for the poor will gather at 9:30 a.m. in Lawyers Mall for the 22^nd Annual Homeless Persons’ Lobby Day.  The rally brings together Health Care for the Homeless, the Maryland chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Out For Justice, B-More Housing for All, and others committed to ending homelessness in Maryland.  

Rally participants will advocate for continued Medicaid expansion, re-entry services for those leaving jails and prisons, and for a strengthened safety net to assist families struggling to make ends meet in a troubled economy.  Speakers include legislators, activists, college students, and people experiencing homelessness.  Throughout the day, constituents will meet with elected officials about policies necessary to end homelessness and will testify during afternoon Senate hearings. 

“Maryland’s safety net – though tremendously overburdened – helps to prevent and end homelessness,” said Jeff Singer, President & CEO of Health Care for the Homeless.  “Especially in this troubling economic environment, we simply can’t afford additional cuts to important health programs and safety net services.”

Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) provides health-related services, education, and advocacy to reduce the incidence and burdens of homelessness in Maryland.  Last year, HCH delivered adult and pediatric medical care, mental health services, social services and case management, addiction treatment, dental care, outreach, and supportive housing for 10,000 Marylanders at clinic sites in Baltimore City, and in Frederick, Montgomery, Harford, and Baltimore Counties.  Nearly all HCH clients have incomes below Federal poverty guidelines, and 75% are uninsured. 

Members of the press are welcome to ride with us by bus from Baltimore to Annapolis. For more information on Homeless Persons’ Day in Annapolis, please contact Adam Schneider at Health Care for the Homeless at 410/215-8319. 

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To view a schedule for the day click here:

 http://www.hchmd.org/dayinannapolis.shtml

Speaker Tony Friend Testifies in Annapolis!

On Tuesday February 1, 2011- Annapolis, MD

Tony Friend, member of the Speakers’ Bureau, testified before legislators on HB 28-Public Benefits-Requirement of Proof of Lawful Presence.  The purpose of this bill is to require adults to provide certain identification in order to receive public benefits.

Tony testified against the bill explaining that while being homeless he was unable to obtain any form of identification after being robbed of everything he had.  This bill affects not just those who are in the US illegally, but US citizens who are robbed of their ID and have to go through a time consuming process to replace it. 

After Tony spoke, three legislators approached him and said that they were moved by his story and now feel compelled to help.



Street Survival Kits

Here is an ongoing volunteer project that you can do with your club, faith community, school, friends, coworkers, or family!  Many times people ask us (when we go out to speak about homelessness) what they should do when they see someone asking for money.  Here is one way to help people out with essential items while they are staying on the street or in a shelter.  You can either keep some bags in your car to hand out when you drive by someone asking for money, or you can give them to us, or other groups involved in street outreach. 



In a backpack (the draw-string style bags are recommended), put the following:

(If you can’t provide a backpack, then putting items in a plastic zip-lock bag works)

WINTER KIT LIST:

• Socks
• Hat
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Hand warmers
• Poncho
• Toiletries:
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Bar soap in small ziplock bag
• Lotion
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Deodorant
• Feminine products (add to ladies kits)
• Water bottle
• Energy bars/trail mix/dried fruit
• Gift coupons (Subway and McDonalds sell $5 coupons)
• Bus tokens

The kits will be donated to these two groups who do street outreach to individuals and families experiencing homelessness:

Project Jump Start: a program that allows students to serve the homeless community of Baltimore City by providing food, clothing, toiletries, and information on area services.  They are supported by USGA.  www.umaryland.edu/usad/PJSVolunteer.html

Rose Street Community Center: a drop in center and shelter for youth on the east side of Baltimore.  They are supported by the Abell Foundation.  http://www.abell.org/

If you would like to organize a drive and/or have any questions please contact:  Lindsay Vanderheiden

Email: lcallahan@hchmd.org    Phone: 443-703-1349