Our Mission
Baltimore Safe Haven is committed to empowering TLGBQ individuals in Baltimore City who are navigating survival modes by providing inclusive and supportive spaces, resources, and opportunities. Our mission is to foster an environment where every member of the TLGBQ community not only survives but thrives, promoting resilience, dignity, and inclusivity as we collectively work towards a more compassionate and equitable Baltimore.
Our Vision
We envision a world in which all transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (TLGBQ) people enjoy healthy, self-determined and -sufficient lives, liberated from the stigma, violence, and oppression they have suffered.
Our Objectives
Provide Safe and Affirming Housing
Address Housing Disparities
Support Transitions and Gender Affirmation
Promote Economic Empowerment
Prevent Violence and Provide Support
Advocate for LGBTQ Rights
Foster Community Education and Awareness
Create Safe Havens to Thrive
Our Story
Founded in 2018, Baltimore Safe Haven emerged with a visionary mission: to forge a supportive community and essential resource for TLGBQ individuals, especially focusing on black transgender women navigating survival mode living. This transformative initiative, shaped by founder Iya Dammons, sprung from her personal experiences with poverty, violence, and sex work. These struggles inspired a comprehensive wellness and outreach program dedicated to aiding those in need.
In the same year, Baltimore Safe Haven achieved official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Operational activities were swiftly launched by fall, encompassing the establishment of a drop-in center and the initiation of mobile outreach initiatives. This marked the organization's commitment to translating its visionary mission into tangible support and resources for the community it serves.
ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY
Over 40% of TLGBQIA youth face the imminent risk of homelessness due to their gender identity, exposing them to violence in shelters. Our mission is to eradicate these threats and create a safer environment.
Baltimore Safe Haven is dedicated to directly supporting the most vulnerable members of our community while actively challenging the structural barriers to their health, safety, and prosperity. Through compassionate harm reduction and upward mobility services, advocacy support, and community engagement, we foster a respectful, non-judgmental environment that empowers individual agency. Our programs encompass community outreach, a drop-in center providing HIV testing, harm reduction, PrEP, medical linkage, case management, and assistance in accessing housing services.
Drop-In Center
Access to food is a pressing need for Baltimore's most vulnerable communities, often on a daily basis. To address this, we provide groceries and hot meals through our mobile outreach efforts and at our Greenmount Avenue location.
Service hours:
Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Transitional housing
Due to past traumas experienced in homeless shelters, a significant portion of our community members refrain from seeking aid from existing resources, consequently enduring a constant state of survival. This is precisely where Baltimore Safe Haven plays a pivotal role.
Our transitional housing offers a sanctuary, allowing individuals to reflect on their life journey and initiate progress without the constant concern for their daily safety. This safe haven enables them to transition towards a more secure and stable future.
Mobile outreach
At Baltimore Safe Haven, we understand the importance of meeting people where they are. Our mobile outreach program provides harm reduction materials and education, hygiene products, food and transportation to TLGBQ community members in need.
Service hours:
Friday & Saturday: 11 p.m. - 4 a.m.
outreach & community engagement
Through our outreach programs, we actively connect with individuals in the TLGBQIA+ community, especially those engaging in survival Sex work. We provide essential resources, support, and referrals to address their immediate needs and connect them to our services.
legal support
We assist our clients in navigating legal challenges, advocating for their rights, and accessing necessary legal resources.
housing support
We provide stable housing solutions and support services to individuals facing housing insecurity and homelessness, helping them secure safe and affirming living environments.
workforce development
Our workforce development program equips individuals with the skills, resources, and support needed to enter and succeed in the job market, fostering economic independence and self-sufficiency.
behavioral health coordination
Our dedicated Behavioral Health Coordinator facilitates non-clinical behavioral health activities, support groups, and access to mental health resources, promoting mental well-being and resilience.
Advocacy & policy engagement
We actively advocate for the rights, needs, and well-being of the TLGBQIA+ community, working to address systemic barriers, promote inclusivity, and create positive change through policy engagement and community mobilization.
integrated physical health services
Our services include harm reduction, safe sex education, HIV testing, referrals to specialized care, and a weekly wellness clinic offering HRT and PrEP. We prioritize individuals' overall physical well-being, supporting their health and wellness goals.
community building
We foster a sense of belonging and strengthen social bonds within the TLGBQIA+ community through various programs and activities that promote connections, support chosen families, and a sense of community.