Baltimore City officials seek applicants to take over newly acquired hotels

By Tashi McQueenAFRO Political Writertmcqueen@afro.comBaltimore City officials are looking for applicants who support and are willing to oversee the city’s vision for their newly acquired hotels. City officials aim to turn the two Downtown Baltimore hotels, Holiday Inn Express and the Sleep Inn and Suites, into permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness.& The City of Baltimore acquired the two properties and the adjacent parking lot in February for $15.2 million, using federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Holiday Inn Express is located at 221 N. Gay St. and the Sleep Inn and Suites on 301 Fallsway.Ernestina Simmons (front), director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services, alongside Adrianne Todman, acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, speaks on Baltimore City’s plans for two recently acquired hotels. (Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of the Baltimore City Office of the Mayor/ J.J. McQueen)“When I look at these hotels behind us and beside me that were once the Holiday Inn Express and the Sleep Inn and Suites, I see an important investment in the people of our city. Tackling homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) at the unveiling...