Baltimore QuickStart

Companion to Official Resources

Welcome to Baltimore.
Here's where to start.

A task-first guide for newcomers, refugees, SIV holders, and new Americans in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. This site does not replace official guides. It helps you use them.

Start Here
Get Help Now

Read in: English · دری · پښتو · Español · العربية · Français

Informational only. Not legal advice. Services and eligibility change. Always verify with the official agency directly. Last reviewed: March 2026.

First 30 Days

Your First 30 Days in Baltimore

Do these in order. Each item links to the official source. If you need help in your language, call 211, free and available 24/7 in 150+ languages.

Day 1: Arrive and Connect

  1. 1Save these numbers now: 911 (emergency), 211 (benefits & referrals), 311 (Baltimore City services). Details in the Get Help Now section below.
  2. 2If you are a refugee or SIV holder, contact your resettlement agency: IRC Baltimore (2601 N Howard St, Suite 225) or LSSNCA. They are your first point of contact for almost everything.
  3. 3If you don't have a phone yet, go to the Enoch Pratt Free Library with free wifi, computers, and no ID required. Nearest branch: prattlibrary.org

Days 2 to 3: Documents and Benefits

  1. 4Check your eligibility for state benefits through MORA (Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees). Most programs require eligible status held for 5 years or less. → MORA eligibility page
  2. 5Schedule your refugee health screening at Baltimore Medical System Highlandtown Clinic: 3700 Fleet Street, Suite 200. → BMS Refugee Health
  3. 6If you have children, start school enrollment. Contact Baltimore City Schools MESC or Baltimore County Welcome Center. See micro-guide below.

Days 4 to 7: Get Settled

  1. 7Learn how to ride Baltimore MTA. Use the trip planner at mta.maryland.gov/trip-planner. Pay with CharmPass (CharmCard is being phased out). See transit guide below.
  2. 8Get free or low-cost internet at home. Ask your caseworker about Project Waves (free home wifi, select Baltimore buildings) or PCs for People (low-cost internet + computers).
  3. 9Start English classes. If newly arrived, ask your caseworker. Walk-in option: Enoch Pratt Library has free ESL classes. See ESL guide below.
  4. 10Look for employment services. Your resettlement agency has job readiness, resume help, and job search support. American Job Centers also available. See directory.

Week 2: Build Stability

  1. 11Open a bank account. Many banks accept an ITIN or foreign passport. Call ahead to confirm. M&T Bank and PNC have Baltimore branches with multilingual staff. Ask your caseworker for the most current option.
  2. 12Apply for Maryland Medicaid if you haven't already. SIV holders, refugees, and asylees are generally eligible. Apply at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us or call 1-800-332-6347.
  3. 13Confirm your children are registered and attending school. Follow up if you haven't received a start date. Contact the school's main office or your caseworker.
  4. 14Get a library card at Enoch Pratt, free with just your address. Unlocks free ebooks, language learning apps (Mango Languages), and computer time. → prattlibrary.org/get-a-card

Weeks 3 to 4: Move Forward

  1. 15Attend your first English class if you haven't started yet. BCCC Refugee and Asylum Programs offers MORA-funded ELT (free for eligible newcomers). → bccc.edu, RAP
  2. 16If you are working with a caseworker, confirm your 90-day plan. Most resettlement contracts run 90 days and include employment goals, housing stability, and benefit enrollment. Know what yours covers.
  3. 17Connect with a community or cultural organization in Baltimore. For Afghan newcomers: The Salaam Center (410-385-4663) and ERICA serve Afghan and MENA communities. See directory below.
  4. 18If you need legal help with your immigration status, contact PAIR Project or CLINIC-affiliated organizations in Baltimore. Ask your caseworker for a current referral. Free legal services are available for eligible newcomers.

Sources: Baltimore City Welcome Guide (2023), MORA program pages, 211 Maryland, BCCC RAP. Last verified March 2026.

Decision Tree

Who Do I Call?

Not sure which number to use? Use this chart. Translation is available for all of these. Just say "interpreter" or the name of your language when someone answers.

911

Emergency Services

Police, fire, or medical emergency. Use when there is immediate danger to life or safety.

Call when:

  • Someone is hurt or in danger
  • There is a fire
  • A crime is happening now
  • Medical emergency
211

Benefits & Referrals

Free, 24/7. Available in 150+ languages. Your first call for most newcomer needs.

Call when:

  • You need food, housing, or health help
  • You don't know where to start
  • Benefits navigation
  • Mental health crisis support
311

Baltimore City Services

Non-emergency city issues and service requests. Also available online at baltimorecity.gov/311services.

Call when:

  • Trash not picked up
  • Streetlight is broken
  • City staff won't provide interpreter. You have the right to request one at no cost
MESC

School Enrollment

Contact the Multilingual Enrollment & Support Center (MESC) for Baltimore City, or the Welcome Center for Baltimore County.

Contact when:

  • Enrolling a child in school
  • Need language support for enrollment
  • Questions about ESL/ELL placement

Know Your Rights: Language Access

Baltimore City staff are required to provide telephonic interpretation at no cost. If a city employee refuses to provide an interpreter, call 311 to file a complaint. You have this right.

How-To Guides

Step-by-Step for Common Tasks

Click any guide to expand the steps. Every step links to an official source. Items marked VERIFY should be confirmed directly with the agency before you go.

  1. Plan your trip using the MTA Trip Planner at mta.maryland.gov/trip-planner. Enter your start and end address.
  2. Pay with CharmPass. CharmCard is being phased out. Load CharmPass on your phone or buy at transit locations. VERIFY current fares at mta.maryland.gov.
  3. If you need help using the app, ask at an Enoch Pratt Library branch. Staff can assist.
  4. For accessibility or paratransit needs, contact MTA directly through their website.
  1. Go to the Multilingual Enrollment and Support Center (MESC) at 200 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202. Or start online: baltimorecityschools.org/enroll
  2. Bring: proof of address, proof of age (birth certificate or passport), immunization records, and any prior school records. VERIFY the current document list before you go.
  3. Your child will receive an ESL assessment if English is not their first language.
  4. If you are not sure which school is zoned for your address, MESC staff can help. Interpretation is available.
  1. Contact the Baltimore County Multilingual Welcome Center at 615 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228. → BCPS Welcome Center page
  2. Schedule an appointment. Walk-ins may not be accepted. VERIFY current hours.
  3. Bring: proof of address, proof of age, immunization records, prior school records.
  4. English language development screening will be conducted to determine placement.
  1. Who is eligible: Refugees, asylees, SIV holders, Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, see the MORA eligibility page.
  2. Go to Baltimore Medical System, Highlandtown Healthy Living Center, 3700 Fleet Street, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224.
  3. Call ahead to schedule: bmsi.org. VERIFY current phone number and hours.
  4. Bring your immigration documents and any medical records you have.
  5. After your screening, the clinic can connect you to ongoing primary care.
  6. If you have lost your insurance, Masjid An-Nur Community Health Center may be able to help (for uninsured patients only). Call (443) 478-8122. → annurfoundation.org/health-clinic
  1. If newly arrived refugee: ask your caseworker first. They can enroll you in MORA-funded English Language Training (ELT) at no cost.
  2. BCCC Refugee Assistance Program (RAP): Baltimore City Community College offers ESL for refugees. → BCCC RAP page
  3. Enoch Pratt Library: free ESL classes at some branches, no caseworker required. → prattlibrary.org
  4. CASA Baltimore: ESOL classes, 2706 Pulaski Hwy. → wearecasa.org
  5. CCBC (Baltimore County): continuing education ESOL. → CCBC ESOL page
  1. Free home wifi: Project Waves offers free high-speed internet in select Baltimore City buildings. Ask your caseworker or building manager. → Project Waves
  2. Low-cost internet + computers: PCs for People, 2901 E Biddle St, Baltimore. VERIFY current walk-in hours. → PCs for People
  3. Free wifi + computers right now: any Enoch Pratt Free Library branch. No ID required for wifi. → prattlibrary.org
  4. Ask your resettlement agency about Lifeline, a federal program for low-income phone plans.
  1. Job scam red flags: jobs that ask you to pay money upfront, ask for bank info before hiring, or promise very high pay for little work. → FTC job scam guide
  2. Rental scam red flags: landlord asks for cash deposit before you see the apartment, price is far below market rate, landlord will not meet in person. → FTC rental scam guide
  3. Report scams to the Maryland Office of the Attorney General: oag.maryland.gov
  4. Report hate incidents at nohomeforhate.md.gov or call the OAG hate crimes hotline.
  1. Important note: there are no specialized housing programs specifically for new arrivals in Maryland. You will use general housing resources.
  2. Search for housing: MDHousingSearch.org, free with bilingual call center support.
  3. Housing counseling (free): Southeast CDC, 3323 Eastern Ave, Suite 200, Baltimore. → southeastcdc.org
  4. Rental assistance: Baltimore City Community Action Partnership (CAP). → bmorechildren.com/cap
  5. Renter rights & eviction prevention: Baltimore City DHCD renters page

Verified Directory

Key Organizations in Baltimore

Curated from official sources. Addresses verified where possible. Always call ahead. For a deeper search, use CHARMcare.org.

Resettlement

IRC Baltimore

International Rescue Committee, providing refugee resettlement and integration services for Baltimore metro.

Address: 2601 N Howard St, Suite 225, Baltimore, MD 21218

rescue.org/united-states/baltimore-md
Resettlement

LSSNCA Refugee & Immigrant Services

Lutheran Social Services, offering case management, mental health, and workforce support for refugees and SIV holders.

Address: 1730 Twin Springs Rd, Suite 213-214, Baltimore area

lssnca.org
City Office

Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs

Publishes the official Baltimore newcomer guide and connects immigrants to city resources.

Address: 100 Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 21202

baltimorecity.gov/mima
Benefits

MORA, Maryland Office for Refugees & Asylees

State office that sets eligibility for refugee programs: employment services, ELT, health screening, cash assistance. Most programs limited to first 5 years of eligible status.

dhs.maryland.gov, MORA
Referrals

211 Maryland

24/7 statewide helpline. Translation in 150+ languages. Food, housing, health, legal, education referrals. Best first call for newcomers.

Phone: call or text 211

211md.org
Health New

Masjid An-Nur Community Health Center

Clinic operated at Masjid An-Nur mosque by volunteer physicians.

Note: for uninsured patients only

Address: 8020 Corporate Dr., Baltimore, MD 21236

Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Phone: call (443) 478-8122 to request an appointment. They will call you back.

annurfoundation.org/health-clinic
Health

Baltimore Medical System, Refugee Health

Refugee health screening and ongoing primary care. Main MORA-listed Baltimore health access point.

Address: 3700 Fleet St, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224 (Highlandtown)

bmsi.org
Health

Healthcare Access Maryland

Helps apply for subsidized health insurance and provides care coordination.

Address: 1 N Charles St, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD 21202

marylandconnects.org
Health

Health Care for the Homeless

Medical care, mental health, dental, and wraparound supports. Good option if uninsured or without stable housing.

Address: 421 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202

Education

Baltimore City Schools MESC

Multilingual Enrollment and Support Center, offering school enrollment, ESL placement, and support for newly arrived families in Baltimore City.

Address: 200 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202

baltimorecityschools.org/enroll
Education

BCPS Multilingual Welcome Center

Baltimore County school enrollment and language support for newly arrived families.

Address: 615 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228

bcps.org, Welcome Center
ESL

BCCC Refugee Assistance Program (RAP)

Baltimore City Community College, offering MORA-funded English language training and refugee support services.

bccc.edu, RAP
ESL / Access

Enoch Pratt Free Library

Free ESL classes, free wifi, computers, and a social worker on site. No agency affiliation needed. Open to all.

prattlibrary.org, find your nearest branch
ESL

CASA Baltimore ESOL

ESOL classes and community services through the Baltimore Welcome Center.

Address: 2706 Pulaski Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21224

wearecasa.org
Employment

American Job Centers, Baltimore City

Career center support, job search, and employment services. Three locations in Baltimore City.

Address: Eastside: 3001 E Madison St | Northwest: 2401 Liberty Heights Ave (Mondawmin) | South: 1410 Bush St

labor.maryland.gov
Housing

MDHousingSearch.org

Free online housing locator for Maryland with bilingual call center support. Start here for apartment searching.

mdhousingsearch.org
Housing

Southeast CDC, Housing Counseling

HUD-certified housing counseling for Baltimore City renters and homebuyers. Includes eviction prevention and rental counseling.

Address: 3323 Eastern Ave, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224

southeastcdc.org
Internet

Project Waves

Free high-speed home internet for households in select Baltimore City buildings.

projectwaves.net
Internet

PCs for People, Baltimore

Low-cost high-speed internet and refurbished computers for income-qualifying households.

Note: verify before visiting

Address: 2901 E Biddle St, Baltimore, MD 21213

pcsforpeople.org

Note: verify addresses before visiting. They change. When in doubt, call ahead or check the organization's official website.

Official Sources

Official Guides & Resources

This site is a companion, not a replacement. These are the authoritative sources. Go here for full information.

PDF

Welcome to Baltimore Guide (2023), Baltimore City

Official city guide from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. Covers all services, rights, and resources. Available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic.

 GOV

MORA, Maryland Office for Refugees & Asylees

Official state eligibility rules and program enrollment points. Best for checking if you qualify for state-funded benefits and finding specific program enrollment locations.

 211

211 Maryland, Immigration Help for New Marylanders

Web version of 211's newcomer resources. ID, health, housing, legal, and more. 24/7 phone support in 150+ languages.

 ORG

Refugee Welcome Collective, Maryland Resources

Task-based statewide resource page covering cash/food, documentation, education, health, housing, legal, and more. Includes a local resource map.

Note: this organization suspended operations in January 2025 due to a federal directive. Page may not be actively maintained. Verify any information before acting on it.

 DIR

CHARMcare, Baltimore Services Directory

Comprehensive searchable directory for free and reduced-cost services in Baltimore City: food, housing, employment, health, education, and more.