On Tuesday, I joined City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Councilman Bill Cole, homeless advocates, community leaders and other City officials in a ceremony to break ground for the new Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Housing and Resource Center ("Center").  This event was held on one of the hottest days of the year, which served as a reminder for why it is critical that we build this facility.  Many of us aren't fortunate enough to have shelter on the coldest nights and the hottest days of the year.   
 
The principal behind Baltimore's first permanent shelter for homeless individuals is that every human life is precious and that no one is expendable.  Operating 24-hours a day, seven days a week, this facility will provide assistance and guidance to some of the City's most vulnerable people.  A cornerstone of my 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, this Center is not simply a shelter but it is a gateway to independence.  By acting as a one-stop resource center with case management and other vital services, this Center will provide a "hand up"; rather, than a "handout". 
 
In this economy, we need to be unified in our commitment to every resident in the City.  According to the 2009 Homeless Census, homelessness has increased by 12% in Baltimore City in the last two years-a partial product of the current economic crisis.  As a result, the face of the homeless population is changing.  Now, many of us are one job loss, illness, or family tragedy away from finding ourselves in need of assistance.  The services that will be offered by the Center are essential to ensure that none of our fellow citizens fall through the cracks.
 
We are fortunate that the neighboring communities, such as the Mt. Vernon-Belvedere Association (MVBA), recognize the importance of this project.  Social service facilities are often viewed as a burden to neighborhoods; however, through collaboration, the City and the MVBA have developed a plan to address the concerns of this community.  Communities like these, which stand with us to address the needs of low income people, help us build a stronger Baltimore for everyone. 
 
Baltimore City's fight to end homelessness is just beginning but our successes thus far give us hope.  During the year one implementation of Baltimore City's 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, the City has maintained its highest number of emergency shelter beds in history and has housed over 150 people using housing vouchers targeted for homeless individuals and families.  The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Housing and Resource Center will be another important step toward ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens have a gateway to independence.

Sincerely,

Sheila Dixon
Mayor, Baltimore