–photo courtesy of Google maps-
The Old Dundalk Community Association posted a letter they received from Baltimore County about the tents located on Holabird Avenue near the Baltimore County/City line. The encampment is technically located in Baltimore City but Baltimore County has received complaints from its residents in Dundalk. Here is a copy of that letter:
Good Morning, Dundalk Communities-
A Message to Members of the Dundalk Community:
Members of the Baltimore County Homeless Services Division have been working closely with Baltimore City officials to address the encampment near Dundalk and Holabird Avenues. We understand how concerning it is to see this situation in your community.
As the encampment is located on city property, the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) is leading response efforts in coordination with other City agencies, including the Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore City Department of Public Works, (DPW) and Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) with support from nonprofit organizations under contract with Baltimore County to provide outreach and access to services. Baltimore City DOT has posted signs in the camp as of today that the camp will be cleared on Friday, July 21st, 2023.
Effectively responding to these issues are complex and can take time to determine the underlying causes and to ensure services and emergency shelter are offered. There is a distinct difference in the nature of activity happening in this camp that is not indicative of homelessness being the primary cause. Baltimore City Police have provided a consistent presence at this location, arrests have been made and search warrants have been executed and will continue until the camp is closed. City DPW has also increased efforts to clear accumulated trash from the site.
Baltimore County will continue to advocate on behalf of the community members of Dundalk until this issue is addressed. A resolution date is set and we ask the community for their continued patience with this matter. If you witness unlawful activity in the camp or feel unsafe walking by, we ask that you contact your local police precinct.
For further questions on this matter, you may contact Baltimore County’s Homeless Services Division with the Department of Housing and Community Development at 410-887-8383 or dhcd@baltimorecountymd.gov.
