History
Social Ministry/Baltimore Outreach Services Timeline
Services for the homeless began in 1986, when Elizabeth Lottich, a long-time member of Christ Lutheran Church and a champion of social justice and ministries to the poor asked to start a soup kitchen in the basement of Christ Lutheran Church. A few years later, in 1989, an emergency shelter for the homeless was opened.
After operating the emergency shelter for many years it became clear there was a growing need and demand for services for homeless women and children, and Baltimore Outreach Services was established as a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization in 2002. Our mission is to provide housing, jobs and education to impoverished women and children in Baltimore City. Elizabeth Lottich passed away in June 2010, but her commitment and passion to help the less fortunate continues each day in the BOS homeless shelter.
Read details of the BOS timeline below.
1999-2001
- Acquired long-term leases to operate three transitional houses, providing residents a two-year housing arrangement with a supportive program.
- Established Caseworker position and developed outreach program for former shelter residents.
2002
- Baltimore Outreach Services was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Length of stay in the emergency shelter was extended beyond 90 days. Drug testing upon entrance was mandated.
2003
- Acquired a fourth transitional rent-to-own home.
- Established a computer lab.
2005
- Developed and implemented the jobs program and conducted first culinary arts training.
2006
- Life skills training for shelter residents — parenting classes, anger and stress management, budgeting and financial planning.
- Adams House — purchased first transitional house with funds from the Jesse and Herthe Adams Charitable Trust.
2007
- Basic Literacy Training began on site (pre-GED).
- Established after-school and summer programming for children in the shelter.
- First Development Director hired.
- Children’s Playground completed as a volunteer project by Eagle Scout Caden Wood.
2008
- Began expansion of supportive housing program to include purchasing five additional houses over the next five years.
- Purchased first house in July for renovation.
- Renovation of first house to begin by year end.
- Adopted strategic plan to expand supportive housing program, adding five houses over five years.
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Purchased first house and began supportive housing expansion.
2009
- Completed transitional house at 2422 McElderry Street.
- Purchased additional property on St. Margaret Street for renovation.
- Completed renovation 2422 McElderry Street into two new units of housing.
- Purchased property at 3803 St. Margaret Street and established as The Eileen Foreman House.
2010
- Completed planned expansion of supportive housing program, 2 years ahead of schedule, with the opening of the Goodyear-Jorn House in Brooklyn/Curtis Bay and the Dr. James Oosterling House and the Sister Zora Heckart House in McElderry Park
2011
- Began an 8-week culinary arts internship to help move more culinary arts graduates to work in May
- Capital appeal for shelter renovations in August
- New metal beds and new mattresses
- Interior and exterior wheelchair lifts so that the shelter can serve disabled women and children