BALTIMORE — Residents of the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center will be moved into hotels beginning Friday to protect them from the spread of coronavirus.
The decision was made after a nurse and four residents in the city-owned, Catholic Charities-operated facility’s convalescent dorm tested positive for the virus. All convalescent dorm residents were moved to other facilities for appropriate care after the positive tests were returned.
About 141 residents remain at the center for individuals experiencing homelessness following recent efforts to reduce risk by moving residents to less congested facilities.
Catholic Charities and the city are working to appropriately accommodate those with disabilities requiring wheelchairs or walkers. Most of the residents will move to their own rooms in the 126-room Holiday Inn Express on Russell Street. Individuals who cannot be accommodated at the hotel will be placed in other appropriate lodging.
All the residents will be tested for COVID-19. Individuals who develop symptoms will be reported to the Healthcare for the Homeless triage line and a care plan will be determined for the individual. Negative-tested, asymptomatic individuals who are employed and considered essential will be allowed to continue to work.
Residents may bring one large bag and one small bag. Catholic Charities’ Weinberg Housing and Resource Center employees will staff the hotel. Security will be provided by both Catholic Charities and the City of Baltimore. Meals will be provided by a third-party vendor per city contract.
After the residents are moved out, the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center will be thoroughly cleaned.
The move was made in partnership with Catholic Charities, the Mayor’s Office for Homeless Services, city and state health department officials and the state Rapid Response team.
