Howard County Community Resources

This information is not sponsored or endorsed by HCPSS, but serves to extend resources for students and families.

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will operate their free summer meal program on weekdays, June 24 - July 31 from 12:30 - 2 p.m. No applications, enrollment or fees are required to participate in the program, however children must be present to receive free meals. Meals are provided at no cost to all HCPSS students, and any children aged 18 and under. For more information, visit the HCPSS Summer meals website.

Meal sites and pickup times are subject to change. Any changes will be noted on this webpage.

Meals will be served weekdays, Wednesday, June 24-Friday, July 31 (except July 3), from 12:30-2 p.m. at the following locations:

• Atholton High School, 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia
• Bollman Bridge Elementary School, 8200 Savage-Guilford Road, Savage
• Deep Run Elementary School, 6925 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge
• Ducketts Lane Elementary School, 6501 Ducketts Lane, Elkridge
• Hammond High School, 8800 Guilford Road, Columbia
• Laurel Woods Elementary School, 9250 North Laurel Road, Laurel
• Stevens Forest Elementary School, 6045 Stevens Forest Road, Columbia
• Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia
• Wilde Lake Middle School, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia
• Howard County Library System East Columbia Branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
• Howard County Library System Elkridge Branch, 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge

Maryland SUN Bucks helps families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals buy groceries during the summer break when school meals are unavailable.

Families who qualify for the Maryland SUN Bucks program will receive $40 for June, July, and August (a total of $120) for each eligible student.

If you have any questions, call 1-800-332-6347 and
select the Maryland SUN Bucks option.

Starting November 1, 2025, Maryland expanded federal SNAP work requirements to include more adults aged 18–64 who do not have dependents under 14. To keep receiving food assistance for more than three months, affected residents must document at least 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, or approved job training. You may be exempt if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or care for a child under age 6, but previous exemptions for veterans and those experiencing homelessness have been removed.

Residents should check their status and upload proof of work through the state's new " One Stop Shop" Maryland Benefits Portal (formerly MD THINK) which allows you to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and energy assistance all in one place, typically in under 30 minutes. Or call 1-800-332-6347 for assistance.

Important Links & Reference

• Official Guide: SNAP ABAWD Frequently Asked Question

If you are going through a hardship, an immediate housing crisis, or are at risk of becoming homeless, do not hesitate to ask for help.

The resources and programs described in this bulletin are designed to support Howard County families in times of need.

Grassroots Crisis Intervention provides 24/7 emergency shelter services. Walk-in or call anytime for immediate assistance.

Code Blue Shelter is activated during extreme weather nights, when temperature reach 26 degrees or below, and provides nightly shelter for homeless Howard County residents.

To access support, individuals should call the Grassroots crisis line at 410-531-6677 or walk in to the Grassroots Crisis Center at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A, in Columbia to complete a Housing Assessment. This process can also connect individuals with additional resources throughout the county.

• Call or text 988 for National Suicide Hotline. Grassroots offers mobile crisis teams and walk-in services 24/7. 24/7 text and chat support available.

• Psychiatric Urgent Care also available for immediate mental health needs.

HopeWorks is a comprehensive private non-profit agency that provides services to individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child sexual abuse.

Services provided include advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal assistance.

24-Hour Sexual, Dating and Domestic Violence Helpline: (410) 997-2272

• Community Action Council Limited assistance for eviction prevention. Applications must be completed in full

• Housing Commission complexes offer income-based rents.
• Moderate Income Housing Units available first-come, first-served.

• Bridges Home Start may cover first month's rent and security deposit.

All applicants complete background and reference checks, and each participating home receives a safety inspection. Program staff use a smart, automated platform to identify strong potential matches based on personal profiles and preferences, then guide both parties through introductions, development of the home-sharing agreement, and the leasing process.

The Bridges Alliance Program, operated by Bridges to Housing Stability, provides affordable, below-market rental housing for low-income working families in Howard County, MD

To join the Bridges Alliance Program Interest List, complete the interest form here. By completing this form, you will be provided with application details as rental homes become available.

• The Columbia Housing Center offers a free rental referral resource to help apartment seekers find housing in Columbia, Maryland, while promoting thriving, racially integrated communities. If you are interested in using their services, you can get started by filling out their registration form.
• Maryland Housing Search provides statewide rental database.
• Check affordable housing listings
• and Housing Choice Voucher waitlists.

• Legacy at Cedar Lane

Tax Credit unit applications now open. Apply online

at https://cedarlane.enterpriseresidential.org/

• Vision at Parkway

Tax Credit unit applications now open. Apply online

at https://visionatparkway.enterpriseresidential.org/

• Ellicott Gardens

Tax credit apartments with income requirements. Review eligibility criteria and apply online.

• Robinson Overlook

Check eligibility requirements. Download application or visit website.

• Brock Bridge Landing

Review eligibility information. Application available at complex website.

• Burgess Mill Station

Tax credit housing with specific selection criteria. Apply directly through their portal.

• Marlow Apartments accepts housing vouchers.

• Mainstreet Housing serves individuals with mental health providers throughout Maryland.

• St. Ambrose facilitates homesharing in Baltimore area.

• Affordable Multifamily Communities

Multifamily rental communities in which all or a portion of the units offer

affordable rents. Each community has its own application process and tenant screening

standards. The method for determining rents may vary by property, but in all cases the

affordable rent is directly connected to the unit and cannot be transferred when a tenant

vacates the unit.

• Moderate income housing units

Applicants interested in MIHU rentals must apply directly to a participating rental community at anytime during the year. MIHUs are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis. MIHUs are interspersed throughout each community and residents enjoy all the amenities of the community life.

• Community Action Council offers utility, eviction prevention, and first month rent assistance. Complete application packets required.

• Community Action Council Limited assistance for eviction prevention. Applications must be completed in full

• Maryland Department of Social Services provides TCA, SNAP, and TDAP benefits.
• Apply for Social Security benefits online.
• SSI/SSDI self-help guide available for independent applications.

• Coalition for Compassion: 410-997-2781

• Salvation Army: 443-656-3376

• Church of the Resurrection: 410-645-4018

• FISH: 410-964-8660

• Columbia Jewish Congregation: 410-730-6044

• LARS: https://www.laureladvocacy.org/

Empowers individuals in need of food, housing and financial assistance to achieve well-being, stability and self-sufficiency.

Note: Must reside in Laurel zip codes (20707, 20708, 20723, 20724) or be homeless in the Laurel area.

• Bridges to Housing Stability may provide first month's rent and security deposit for eligible families through the Family Home Start program.

• HCC Student Housing Subsidy Program- A specialized rental subsidy partnership with the Columbia Housing Center (CHC). Eligible students are typically notified by the Howard Community College Office of Financial Aid, but can also submit interest independently.

  • Main Program Link: HCC Student Housing Subsidy Program Details

  • Application Link: HCC’s Interest & Authorization Form 1

    
    

    Eligibility Requirements Include:

  
  

  • Must carry a minimum of 6 credits per semester and be enrolled in both Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Annual household income must be less than 60% of the Howard County Area Median Income (AMI).

  • Must remain in good academic standing with HCC and maintain FAFSA eligibility.

  • Must complete 2 hours of renter education with CHC and receive an official referral from HCC.

• Making Change offers free one-on-one financial counseling to Howard County residents. Attend Financial Wellness events for additional support.

• Access to Counsel for Evictions provides free legal help for eligible tenants
• Family Law Assistance The Howard County Circuit Court offers a free Family Law Assistance Program providing legal consultations and form preparation for self-represented individuals with low to moderate income. Free morning sessions are held at the courthouse on Mondays and Wednesdays, while evening sessions are available by appointment at the East Columbia 50+ Center.
• Legal Aid Handles free civil (non-criminal) legal matters rather than criminal cases. Specifically, they assist clients with critical life issues such as housing and evictions, family law and domestic violence safety, public benefits, consumer protection, and employment rights.
• and pro bono services available.
• A Tenant's Guide to the Eviction Process in Howard County- If you are behind in your rent and facing eviction, HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Howard County has a network of food pantries that provide essential supplies to those in need. Locate the nearest pantry by clicking the links below. ( Available in English, Spanish, French, Korean, and Chinese)

Visit Community Action Council food bank. Review application process for details. Application can be done online!

WIC is a federally funded program that provides healthy foods and nutrition counseling for pregnant people, new parents, infants and children under age five.

For more information about the Howard County WIC Program. call 410-313-7510.

• Success in Style Interview and work clothing

• Grace Clothing Closet Gently used clothing distribution

SHP-Howard is a non-profit that provides a free bed to any child age 3-17 in Howard County that doesn’t have a bed of their own.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Contact: 877-261-0060

LOCATE: Child Care is a free, personalized resource and referral counseling service designed to help parents choose a quality child care program that meets their needs.

The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy) program helps eligible families in Maryland pay for high-quality child care and early education programs.

As of May 1st the program is frozen and will be waitlisting eligible families.

Free Cell Phones

Lifeline program provides free phones and plans for SNAP, Medicaid, SSI participants. Multiple carriers available.

Discounted high-speed internet and hardware to help bridge the digital divide for students and low-income households.

• Verizon Forward: Affordable home internet starting Link

• T-Mobile Project 10Million: Free hotspot and internet for K-12 students. Link

• PCs for People: Low-cost refurbished computers and low cost hotspots. Link

• Spectrum Internet Assist: High-speed internet, low cost. Link

• Xfinity Internet Essentials: Low cost home internet Link

• Astound Internet First: Budget-friendly. Link

North Laurel location enriches lives by offering ready access to human services and self-sufficiency supports. View partnering agencies and service schedules.

The Day Resource Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Meals, laundry, pantry, showers, small medical needs.

• Medical Assistance Transportation for Medicaid recipients.

• RTA HoCo Rapid Ride Get affordable, on-demand rides in parts of Elkridge, Hanover, Columbia, and Jessup. https://city.ridewithvia.com/rapidride

• RTA Mobility provides accessible transportation for disabled individuals.

Whether you are looking for an entry level position or an advancement in your career, your employment success is the goal. Visit our workforce center to take advantage of the many services offered.

Services are free and include:

• Job search and resume assistance
• Local and national job listings
• On-line job applications
• Career information
• Employment Workshops
• Resource Center with access to computers, copy and fax machines, telephones and printers
• Veterans services
• Youth services
• Career development workshopsApply For Services

The Office of Children and Families (OCF) publishes the free annual guide to help parents, caregivers, grandparents, and others identify valuable programs which enhance early learning and wellness for children throughout Howard County.

Inside, you will find listings for quality child care, recreation and preschool programs, plus early education and behavioral supports for children.

As always, if you need individual assistance, call 410-313-CARE (2273). The CARE Line is a FREE information and referral service for people who have questions about raising children in Howard County.

Howard County Resource Guide is a comprehensive directory of programs, services, and supports available to older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families in Howard County. It includes up-to-date information on health and wellness, housing, transportation, financial assistance, legal services, recreation, and more—making it a valuable tool for navigating local resources and planning for current and future needs

Howard County’s Coalition to End Homelessness is looking for new members. If you are a person with lived experience, a service provider, or a community member who is interested in supporting those experiencing homelessness, there are many opportunities to get involved. Check out our website to learn more and fill out the interest form here: Coalition To End Homelessness - Continuum Of Care | Howard County