Howard County Community Resources

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

For the first time since 2015, the Housing Authority of Prince George’s County (HAPGC) will be accepting preliminary applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) wait list between Monday, December 1, 2025, at 12:01 A.M. EST and Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. EST. Pre-applications will only be accepted online at: mypgc.us/hcv.

Whether you're looking to rent or find affordable housing, Navigating Howard County Housing Programs will guide you through available housing options, resources and support systems in Howard County. Join Office of Children and Families on December 11 at 1 p.m. for the virtual workshop.

Learn about different types of housing options, available financial assistance programs, including eviction prevention and foreclosure resources, and gain confidence in your ability to navigate the local housing market so you can make informed decisions. Register now to attend the free virtual workshop.

For questions about these virtual workshops, email Lisa Rhodes or call the CARE Line at 410-313-2273.

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.

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.

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.

Maryland Housing Search provides statewide rental database. Check affordable housing listings and Housing Choice Voucher waitlists.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Coalition for Compassion: 410-997-2781

Contact Mondays & Wednesdays; 10am-2pm
Eviction prevention, utilities | Typically $75 amounts

• Salvation Army: 443-656-3376

First month's rent, evictions, utilities, prescriptions (maximum $300)
Appointment only! Open 8:30am-4:30pm

• Church of the Resurrection: 410-645-4018

https://www.resurrectionmd.org/svdp
3175 Paulskirk Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21042

• FISH: 410-964-8660

https://fishhowardcounty.org/
Small financial assistance (rent, utilities, gas cards) and prescription assistance. Contact to see when a volunteer will be available.

• 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.

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
• Legal Aid
• 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!

• Success in Style Interview and work clothing

• Grace Clothing Closet Gently used clothing distribution

Free Cell Phones

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

Open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday. Provides meals, laundry facilities, pantry access, showers, and addresses small medical needs for community members.

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

• 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.