The NEST

The NEST provides shelter for unhoused youth aged 18-24 for up to 90 days and connects them with a wide range of resources to promote a transition to permanent housing.

Why Youth Shelters Matter

Youth homelessness in Baltimore City is a growing crisis, with many young people facing unique challenges that make it harder to find safety and stability. Without a safe place to sleep, it becomes nearly impossible to focus on education, employment, or long-term goals. The NEST Shelter is designed specifically for youth, and provides more than just a bed—it offers stability, support, and a sense of security.

The small, intimate environment allows residents to feel safe and valued, while being surrounded by peers with shared experiences that foster healing and connection. By providing a place to rest and regroup, we empower youth to move beyond crisis and toward a future filled with opportunity and hope.

“The NEST doesn’t feel like a shelter, it feels like a shared home and a safe space. They help with a lot of things like food, jobs, school, and housing. Once I am housed, I want to go to college to become a librarian.”
— Jane

Are you in need of shelter?

Shelter Referrals

We accept referrals from Baltimore City’s Coordinated Entry Line, otherwise known as the Baltimore City Shelter Hotline. The Shelter Hotline is the centralized system for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to access Baltimore City-funded emergency shelters. The system is designed to provide a fast, streamlined, and equitable process to enroll at participating emergency shelters and preserve client choice and dignity. 

Everyone in Baltimore City seeking entry to a City-funded shelter must go through the hotline. Please be aware that if a shelter bed is available, you will be notified during the call. There is no guarantee of shelter space for any caller, but hotline staff will try their best to match you with a place to stay.

Shelter Hotline Hours*
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 4:30 pm

*After-hours, weekend, and holiday shelter requests should be made by calling The NEST directly.

Baltimore City Shelter Hotline
(443) 984-9540

NEST Youth Shelter
(410) 759-8374

Ways to Give

  • Please see the list below for the most urgent needs:

    • Towels

    • Pillows & sheets

    • Soap & lotion

    • Non-perishable food items

    • Cleaning supplies

    • Fresh fruit, vegetables, and meals

  • Men

    • Clothing: hat, socks, scarf, underwear, t-shirt, pajamas, sleepers

    • Technology: earphones/headphones, phone case

    • Hygiene: shower slippers, hair brush

    • Backpack

    Women

    • Clothing: hat, scarf, underwear, pajamas, socks , sleeper

    • Technology: earphones/headphones

    • Beauty: nail polish, lip gloss, hair brush, comb, eyebrow pencils, lashes

    • Hygiene: shower slippers

    • Backpack

To schedule a donation drop off, please email ilucas@hebcac.org or call 410-732-2661 ext. 150.