Home of the Friendless, Historic shelter building in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Home of the Friendless is a multi-story building in Baltimore that displays Second Empire architectural features. Its structure shows the typical institutional design of the late 19th century, with symmetrical facades and solid stone construction.
The building arose during an era of rapid urban growth, when Baltimore was seeking solutions for mounting social problems. Its construction marked a shift in how the city provided organized support for people in need.
The building reflects 19th-century beliefs that communities had responsibility for their most vulnerable members. The way it is built and organized shows how such places worked to address social needs of the time.
The building sits in an established Baltimore neighborhood and is easy to find from main roads. Visitors should note that interior access may be limited, and it is wise to check ahead about which areas are open.
The building was one of the first projects of its kind in Maryland and changed how people thought about government-supported social care. This early initiative became a model for similar facilities in other American cities.
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