On July 14, 2022, Mayor Brandon Scott convened the ‘Squeegee Collaborative’ – a cross-section of youth, business, community and government leaders to develop a city-wide, public, private and community-based response to the challenges and opportunities squeegeeing presents to the City of Baltimore. The goal of the Squeegee Collaborative is to eliminate the need for all our residents—particularly our young people—to take to the streets for employment.  This is especially evident, although not limited, to youth who squeegee.  

Since January 2023, a cross-section of community partners, led by the Mayor’s Office of African American Male Engagement (MOAAME) has been implementing the recommendations laid out in the Squeegee Collaborative Action Plan. 

The complex issue of squeegeeeing sits at the intersection of race and poverty. We know many of these young people are out on corners trying to make money to cover their basic needs, including food, clothing, supporting family members, and so much more. The work of supporting a young person in their transition from the corner to a stable form of employment requires consistent and long-term mentorship and support. 

Faced with navigating broken support systems, squeegee workers face numerous challenges that drive them to corners. The Collaborative identified challenges ranging from recreation, workforce development, entrepreneurship, education, and so much more. The Mayor’s Office of African American Male Engagement (MOAAME) leads the care coordination and support of these young people through outreach and support services. 

To continue this work, which is addressing a multi-generation challenge in our city, we need financial support to bolster the financial support already invested by the Mayor’s Office and MOAAME specifically.