Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanye Brown.
Hi Wanye, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story really started with simply wanting to help people in my city. Being born and raised in West Baltimore, homelessness was never something that felt far away. We saw people struggling and always believed helping didn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with a hot meal, fresh clothes, a conversation, or simply treating someone like a person.
That mindset grew into the Baltimore Homeless Project, Inc. Through Lunch on Us and BHP Mobile Services, we provide meals and essentials while connecting our unhoused neighbors with resources for housing, employment, mental health, and more.
A lot of this journey has been learning as I go, building relationships, working with limited resources, and continuing to show up. What started as a desire to help has grown into a real community effort with volunteers, organizations, businesses, and people across Baltimore supporting the mission.
No matter how much we grow, I want BHP to always remain grassroots, real people helping real people and creating real impact.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been building a grassroots organization with limited funding and resources while still trying to meet a very real need in Baltimore. There have been times when I’ve had to personally fund things, hear “no” from potential supporters, or figure things out as I go.
Another challenge has been learning how to lead and grow an organization while still being young myself. But every obstacle has taught me something. I’ve learned how important consistency, relationships, and community are. Even when resources are limited, we continue to show up, and I think that consistency is a big reason Baltimore has continued to support and believe in BHP.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Baltimore Homeless Project is a grassroots nonprofit focused on meeting people where they are and providing real help that creates real impact. Our two main initiatives are Lunch on Us, our community outreach events that bring meals, essential items, and different service providers together in one place, and BHP Mobile Services, where we take those resources directly into communities throughout Baltimore.
What sets us apart is that we’re very hands-on. We’re not just collecting donations or talking about homelessness online we’re consistently boots on the ground, building relationships with our unhoused neighbors and connecting them with resources for housing, employment, mental health, hygiene, clothing, and more.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that BHP has become something people in Baltimore recognize and trust. We’ve built strong partnerships while keeping that grassroots feeling at the center of everything we do. I want readers to know that when they support BHP, they’re supporting an organization that is from Baltimore, for Baltimore, and committed to showing up.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’d say one of my biggest resources is honestly the people around me and the community itself. I learn a lot from conversations with other nonprofit leaders, business owners, community partners, and even the people we serve. Hearing different perspectives keeps me grounded and gives me new ideas for how BHP can grow.
I also use social media as a resource to stay connected, learn what other organizations are doing, and find new opportunities and partnerships. Outside of work, I try not to overload myself with always having to be “productive.” Sometimes spending time with family and friends, listening to music, or simply disconnecting helps me reset and come back with a clearer mind.
I’m still learning as I go, and I think being open to learning from people, experiences, and even mistakes has probably been my greatest resource.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebaltimorehomelessproject.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebhproject_/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@baltimorehomelessprojectinc?si=d3U-Xo3sRc64znGB
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/baltimore-homeless-project-fundraiser
