Help in Maryland
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 25 places in Maryland, most of them in Baltimore, Rockville and Landover, plus 10 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (17) and leaving homelessness (16).
211 Maryland
Free, confidential information line for anyone in Maryland looking for shelter, food, utility help, mental health or substance use care, legal referrals, or transportation. Specialists answer around the clock and can sign you up for text-message check-ins, including a Reentry keyword track.
Division of Vital Records
Where Marylanders born in the state get a certified birth certificate, the first document most people need before an ID, benefits or a job. Order online through VitalChek, by mail with a photocopy of your ID, or in person by appointment only at the Baltimore lobby. Some local health departments also issue certificates.
Maryland Identification (ID) Card
State photo ID for Maryland residents who do not drive. You apply in person at an MVA branch by appointment, bring proof of identity, legal presence, Maryland residency and your Social Security number, pay the fee, and get a temporary card the same day with the permanent card mailed in 7–10 business days.
Maryland Benefits Portal (SNAP, Medical Assistance, Cash)
Single online application for Maryland public benefits, including SNAP food assistance, Medicaid, and temporary cash assistance. One form screens for several programs at once; you can also apply at any local Department of Social Services office.
Helping Up Mission
Baltimore residential recovery program for men, and for women and children, who are facing addiction and homelessness. Offers overnight shelter, hot meals, counseling and a long-term Spiritual Recovery Program on one campus. A 24/7 Get Help line takes calls from people who need a bed or a way into the program.
Maryland Legal Aid
Free civil legal help for low-income Marylanders through 12 offices statewide, covering housing, benefits denials, family matters, expungement and consumer problems. Intake runs by phone and online; walk-in intake is limited. No fees are charged.
Montgomery County Crisis Center
The county's 24-hour mental health crisis and emergency shelter gateway. Single adults in Montgomery County who are about to lose housing or are already on the street call or walk in here for a shelter referral; the same team handles psychiatric crises and trauma support.
Tuerk House
West Baltimore nonprofit treatment center with inpatient detox, residential treatment, outpatient substance use and mental health clinics, a methadone program and an on-site pharmacy. Walk-ins are the most common way people are admitted, and care is provided regardless of insurance. Certified peer recovery specialists are on staff.
Our Daily Bread Employment Center
Maryland's largest hot-meal program, serving lunch every day starting at 10:30 a.m. on the Fallsway in downtown Baltimore. The same building offers employment counseling, job training including CDL and HVAC certifications, legal and dental clinics, benefits enrollment, mail service, phone charging and AA/NA meetings.
Weinberg Housing and Resource Center
Baltimore's largest emergency shelter for single adults, operating 24/7 with meals, laundry, mail pickup, case management, housing voucher help and workforce training under one roof. Beds are assigned only through the city's Coordinated Entry line, not at the door.
Shepherd's Table
Silver Spring meal program and resource center for people in Montgomery County who are hungry, homeless or housing-insecure. Serves daily meals, runs a social services desk and offers a culinary job-training track. Interfaith Works' Progress Place drop-in center, with showers, laundry and case management, is upstairs in the same building.
The Bridge Center at Adam's House
No-cost, no-wrong-door resource center in Suitland for Prince George's County returning citizens, transitional-age youth 18–25 and veterans. Staff help with IDs and birth certificates, benefits enrollment, job training, GED or college enrollment, legal and child support issues, peer support, transportation and referrals to mental health and substance use treatment.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Maryland
Maryland's call, text and chat line for mental health or substance use emergencies, answered 24/7 by trained specialists. Press 1 for veterans, press 2 for Spanish; deaf and hard-of-hearing callers can use ASL videophone.
National lines that work in Maryland
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.