A Maryland family have raised serious concerns over health risks associated with their stay in a city-run homeless shelter in Baltimore, particularly due to hazardous levels of toxic mould. Marcus Clark, the father of three young children, described experiencing alarming health symptoms that he likened to those of a heart attack, while one of his children displayed severe respiratory issues.
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Clark’s family moved into the shelter, a repurposed hotel known as the former Sleep Inn, alongside other homeless families, under a city initiative that cost approximately £15 million as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Since relocating, the family has faced significant health challenges, including multiple hospital visits due to their deteriorating conditions. “I started experiencing symptoms that felt like a heart attack,” Clark revealed, highlighting the severity of their situation.
According to Clark, his youngest child exhibited symptoms reminiscent of a severe respiratory viral infection known as RSV, with their breathing becoming distressed and shaky. Despite raising these concerns with shelter management, he reported a lack of urgency in addressing the health hazards, stating, “When we brought this to their attention, they told us it was nothing.”
In a recent report released by Baltimore City Inspector General Isabel Cumming, numerous instances of mould were documented in various rooms within the shelter. The findings indicated not only significant mould presence but also potential sewage problems in bath facilities and even mushrooms growing from the carpet. Clark recounted his discovery of mould spores in the air conditioning unit where his child slept, raising alarm over the conditions that were allegedly disregarded by staff.
Testing conducted on the family’s room revealed the presence of over 1,000 toxic mould spores, further substantiating Clark’s concerns. The health impacts have been profound, leading to all three of his children requiring hospital treatment multiple times during their stay. “It’s very scary. We wouldn’t even know if the same thing is going on where we are now, because they wouldn’t tell us,” he expressed.
Another resident, Quinetta Cooper, echoed Clark’s sentiments, sharing her own distressing experiences that included her son suffering serious asthma attacks as a direct result of mould exposure within the same shelter earlier in 2025. “It was bad,” she noted, clearly concerned for the wellbeing of her children and calling for better conditions within the homeless system.
In response to the concerns raised by both Clark and Cooper, Ernestina Simmons, the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS), assured that the findings had been acknowledged and that steps would be taken to rectify the identified issues. Simmons stressed the importance of preventative maintenance and heightened oversight, indicating that the office is currently collaborating with contractors to ensure that all residents are housed in safe environments.
“We agree that stronger preventive measures, clearer accountability, and consistent resident feedback are necessary to protect safety and dignity,” Simmons stated. She noted that proactive monitoring of the facilities would be a priority to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
The prevalence of mould in indoor environments presents significant health risks, including respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Medical professionals, including those from the Cleveland Clinic, advise individuals who encounter mould to take immediate remedial action using specific cleaning products and techniques. They also recommend consulting a healthcare provider if symptoms arise, such as persistent coughing or shortness of breath.
The ongoing situation in Baltimore raises questions about the welfare of vulnerable populations relying on shelters and the accountability of city officials in safeguarding their health and safety. As local leaders grapple with these challenges, the experiences of families like Clark’s highlight the urgent need for systemic change within the city’s approach to homelessness and public health.