Below is a listing for local shelters that provide emergency housing.

Christian Shelter
334 Barclay Street, Salisbury, MD 21804
Phone: 410-749-5673

Samaritan Ministries, Inc.
PO Box 661, 814 4th
Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851
Phone: 410-957-4310

Diakonia, Inc.
12747 Old Bridge Road, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: 410-213-0923

HALO Shelter for Women and Children
Phone: 410-742-9356 call ahead, only available during cold months starting in January thru March

Life Crisis Center
Phone: 1-800-422-0009/410-749-HELP or call the Help Line 2-1-1 available 24hours a day 7 days a week
Life Crisis offers emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and families.

Ocean City's Cold Weather Shelter Opening is weather dependent temperatures dip to 25 degrees with wind chill. Sleet and snow may be taken into consideration.
10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: 410-524-7474 (Registration required. MUST call each day to confirm if the Shelter will be open and reserve a spot for that night). 

Hands and Hearts Ending Homelessness (Male only shelter) Open from November - April
31525 John Deere Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804
Phone: 443-397-2243

Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) has surveillance in place for all reportable diseases including new infections or suspected cases of COVID-19. Medical facilities know what to report, how to report and how to reach us. We have provided current guidance documents from the state health department related to COVID-19 to these facilities.
WCHD has an on-call service available for 24/7 response to public health needs.
Systems are in place for rapid testing for any potential cases. Isolation and quarantine plans are in place if necessary.

We have planning experience with pandemic flu preparation including the robust public health response to H1N1.
Public health has access to additional resources that can include items needed for a response such as medical masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) and other health care needs if a health emergency is declared and if the Strategic National Stockpile is requested.

WATCH: Be Prepared, Not Scared Emergency Preparedness Series

The following links include additional information and resources for emergency preparedness.

Maryland Emergency Management Agency

Ready.gov

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Individuals with Special Needs
 

WORCESTER COUNTY YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY 2013

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is a national questionnaire used to survey health behaviors, such as bullying and harassment, suicide, overweight and obesity, physical activity, nutrition, sexual behavior, injury and violence, tobacco and alcohol use, and other drug use.

Click here to view the Worcester County Youth Risk Behavior Survey report, presented during a joint meeting between Health Department officials and the Board of Education. worcesterhealth.info/files/Youth risk behavior survey 2013.pdf

The full report, as well as state and county level data, are available at:
https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/ccdpc/Reports/Pages/yrbs.aspx

LGBTQ Support

Provides information on the Lower Shore Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Coalition.

If you or someone you know is a transgender/gender non-conforming individual in need of support, you can reach the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860.

LGBT young people (ages 24 and younger) struggling with thoughts of suicide can contact the Trevor Project Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.

2022 Services Guide

Men's Cold Weather Shelter

Homeless Resource Guide
 
Tri-County Behavioral Health Resource Guide

myMDTHINK
myMDTHINK helps you to view available family programs and apply for those programs. 

Maryland Health Connection
State of Maryland health insurance exchange.

Healthcare.gov
Healthcare.gov helps you find insurance options, get help using insurance, get updated on health care laws, access information on the quality of care you are receiving and learn about new preventative and wellness initiatives.

Medicaid.gov
Medicaid.gov helps you learn about each state's Medicaid and children's health insurance programs.

Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program (MCHIP)
The Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program (MCHIP) gives full health benefits for children up to age 19, and pregnant women of any age who meet the income guidelines. 

Maryland Children's Health Program Premium (MCHP Premium)
Maryland Children's Health Insurance Premium Program gives full health benefits for income eligible children up to age 19 who do not qualify for the free MCHP program. By paying one low monthly premium per family, children et health care through HealthChoice.

Medical Assistance for Families Program
The Medical Assistance for Families Program provides full health benefits to parents and other family members caring for children. Eligibility depends on family size and income. 

Maryland Family Planning Program
Provides services to eligible women under 51 years old. The Family Planning Program offers a limited benefit package.

Children's Medical Services
Children's Medical Services is a program that can help low-income, uninsured or underinsured Maryland residents ages 0-21 to get specialty care for chronic illness or disability by providing payment for the needed services.

Maryland Waiver Programs
Waiver programs through Mediciaid is responsible for the implementation and ongoing administration of home and community-based services waivers and targeted case management programs for special population groups such as the elderly, the mentally ill and the physically and mentally disabled.

Maryland Insurance Administration
Can help you learn what types of insurance coverages are available at what cost and assist you if you have a complaint about how your insurance company response when you file a claim.

Worcester County Health Department ACCU/Ombudsman Program: 410-629-0164 
Provides outreach, education and care coordination activities to the Medical Assistance population as well as the uninsured and underinsured populations. The program insures that clients remain in care and that all populations have access to needed health care services, local resources and programs.