Baltimore Homeless Shelter Conditions Draw New OIG Recommendations

Baltimore homeless shelter conditions are under renewed scrutiny after the city’s Office of Inspector General documented moisture, mold, pest and maintenance concerns at three former hotels used as emergency shelters. The public synopsis recommends stronger oversight, clearer maintenance responsibilities and more on-site support from the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services.

The investigation covered the former Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Sleep Inn. It began after a July 2025 complaint alleged that resident grievances were not being addressed and raised concerns about ventilation, laundry equipment, bedding, toiletries, food quality and building conditions. Investigators conducted site visits and reviewed complaints, contracts and internal records.

At the former Sleep Inn, the OIG reviewed photographs showing mushrooms growing in a room and records connected to fungal growth. A July 2025 laboratory report found elevated mold-spore levels in three of six rooms tested compared with the outdoor environment. Residents and former employees also described plumbing, ventilation and pest problems.

The Baltimore homeless shelter conditions report separates allegations from documented material. Some statements came from residents, employees and former staff, while the OIG independently reviewed mold testing, work requests and photographs. A contractor representative disputed claims that grievances were destroyed and said the organization maintained its own process alongside the city system.

Oversight capacity was another concern. The synopsis says two MOHS employees regularly visited ten city-funded shelters, while interviewees said additional staffing could improve monitoring. The OIG recommended a comprehensive ventilation and moisture-control program, a maintenance contract tailored to shelter needs, stronger contract management and a clearer on-site liaison structure.

Read the city OIG’s official investigative synopsis for the documented findings, responses and recommendations in Case 26-0002-I.

PowerPage will continue tracking the city’s response through its Local News coverage, including any corrective-action schedule, contract changes or public follow-up on shelter maintenance.