| Not having appropriate clothing for cold weather or losing necessary clothing due to fire or displacement can be overwhelming and deeply disruptive. We understand how difficult these moments can be and are here to help by asking thoughtful, respectful questions to better understand someone's needs and connect them to the appropriate resources. |
Disclaimer: We strive to keep the information on this page accurate and up to date. However, programs and requirements can change, and we may not always be aware of those changes immediately. If you notice any outdated or incorrect information, or if you have suggestions for additional resources we should include, please reach out to your community's Resources and Opportunities (R&O) manager to make them aware of the changes needed. |
| This article is organized to provide you with guidance to walk through the steps of the barrier removal process: Asking coaching questions, Taking steps to advocate for yourself or someone else, and Connecting with community resources. |
How can I help someone who is lacking warm clothing for the winter?
Not having proper clothes for cold weather can be worrisome and harmful. Take a moment to prepare yourself with the information below so you can show up as their friend and support partner.
Ask Coaching Questions |
Seek Clarity:
- What winter clothes do you have?
- What winter clothes do you need?
Ask About Options:
- How much can you afford to spend on clothes/supplies this month?
- Who have you asked for help?
- What have you tried so far?
- Do you know anyone who has been in this situation before? If so, how did you handle it?
- Do you have any friends or family who could lend you money or who could lend you any of the required items?
Take Steps to Advocate |
This is a growing resource, and we don't have any concrete tactics for advocacy in this area. If you have ideas, post a comment for others below!
Connect to Resources |
Address the Immediate Need
Call the following organizations:
- Samaritan Community at 410-669-1229
- City of Refuge at 410-355-6707 or info@cityofrefugebaltimore.org
- Paul’s Place at 410-625-0775
- Salvation Army at 443-873-7941
Attempt to Prevent Future Crises
Get screened for public benefits at CASH Campaign MD to see if you can increase your income or get other expenses covered by completing this intake form
How can I help someone who lost their clothes due to being displaced from their home/kicked out?
Being displaced from home is scary, and losing your belongings makes things even more stressful. Take a moment to prepare yourself with the information below so you can show up as their friend and support partner.
Ask Coaching Questions |
Seek Clarity:
- When did the incident occur?
- What items did you lose?
- Work to create a priority list of the items that you must replace immediately followed by those that you want to replace as soon as possible.
- Can anyone help you to recover any of the items lost from your house? Would it help if I reached out on your behalf?
Ask About Options:
- How much can you afford to spend on clothes/supplies this month?
- Who have you asked for help?
- What have you tried so far?
- Do you know anyone who has been in this situation before? If so, how did you handle it?
- Do you have any friends or family who could lend you money or who could lend you any of the required items?
Take Steps to Advocate |
Call on Baltimore Community Mediation Center to resolve conflict and/or schedule a time for pick up of clothing by calling 410-467-9165 or emailing info@communitymediation.org
Connect to Resources |
Address the Immediate Need
Call the following organizations:
- Samaritan Community at 410-669-1229
-
City of Refuge at 410-355-6707
- Paul’s Place at 410-625-0775
-
Salvation Army at 443-873-7941
How can I help someone who lost their clothing/toiletries because of a fire?
Fires are scary, and having to start over after one is difficult for everyone. Take a moment to prepare yourself with the information below so you can show up as their friend and support partner.
Ask Coaching Questions |
Seek Clarity:
- When did the fire occur?
- What items did you lose?
- Work to create a priority list of the items that you must replace immediately followed by those that you want to replace as soon as possible.
Get to the Root:
- It may be worth asking about what you think caused the fire. Most commonly fires are started by unsafe wiring or overloaded circuits.
- Do you have a smoke detector?
Ask About Options:
- How much can you afford to spend on clothes/supplies this month?
- Who have you asked for help?
- What have you tried so far?
- Do you know anyone who has been in this situation before? If so, how did you handle it?
- Do you have any friends or family who could lend you money or who could lend you any of the required items?
Take Steps to Advocate |
This is a growing resource, and we don't have any concrete tactics for advocacy in this area. If you have ideas, post a comment for others below!
Connect to Resources |
Get Advice/Information
Address the Immediate Need
- Reach out to one of the organizations below:
- Samaritan Community at 410-669-1229
- Franciscan Center at 410-467-5340 or info@fcbmore.org
Attempt to Prevent Future Crises
- Smoke Detector: Call the Baltimore Fire Department’s Smoke Detector Hotline at (410) 396-7283 or call Baltimore City 311 to request free smoke alarms for your home. They will install them for you.
- Home Repairs to fix faulty wiring:
| If you've gone through all of the above steps in your relationship, you can apply to see if you qualify for additional financial assistance. |
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