About Us

History of Heart's Place

During the blustery cold December of 1987, in response to a news broadcast highlighting lack of avalilable shelter for the homeless, Carol and Rich Berman approached their church's congregation at St. John's United Methodist Church with the idea of opening an emergency homeless shelter.

The vision was to improve the well-being of the community as a whole, and to help break the cycle of homelessness by providing quality, compassionate service to people in need.

In January of 1988, Heart's Place Shelter opened its doors in the basement of St John's church, providing shelter, clothing and food for men, women, children, and families.

...it continues today.

What is Heart's Place Shelter?

An overnight emergency shelter for homeless men, women and children.

A private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization; a mission of St. John's United Methodist Church.

One of the only emergency shelters in Baltimore that will accept homeless families.

Heart's Place has always been for and of the local community, and relies on the support of community donations.

Heart's Place Philosophy

Homeless problems will not be solved overnight, but together we can create a comfortable, supportive environment for people who do not have a place to call home

Our Guests

We accept referrals and walk-ins. Guests are guaranteed a cot for the following week if they are following an "individual service plan" created by them and the case manager.

Our Services

We provide full dinners, bag lunches and hot breakfast for our guests. In addition, guests receive a cot for the night, free clothing, hygiene items, hot showers, laundering of personal clothing, and a safe and caring environment.

Each guest works with our case manager to create an individual service plan to help the guest move on. The goal of the plan is to help the guest access resources to help him/her break the "cycle of homelessness." This may include obtaining identification, referrals to addiction treatment and mental health services, job training, housing referrals, and transportation assistance. Staying in the shelter is contingent upon following through with the individual service plan.