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