Howard County Community Resources

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

The Office of Children and Families will host its annual Howard County Child Care Fair on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event brings together early care program staff and community resources, giving Howard County parents a convenient opportunity to explore preschools, child care options, and local support services—all in one location. View the flier in English or Spanish for more information. Register now to attend.

Fliers are also available in Spanish, Korean, and Chinese.

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. 410-531-6677

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.

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.

Households in the program pay below-market rents and participate in a “Circle of Support” designed to help them move along the path to self-sufficiency. In addition, tenants are offered regular education sessions related to financial literacy, budgeting and saving, credit building, retirement investing, and home buying.

To be eligible for the Bridges Alliance program, a household must earn between 30% and 60% of Area Median Income. Income is measured based on household size, as shown below. For example, a 4-person household must earn between $42,291 and $84,583.

Other eligibility factors:

• • At least one leaseholder needs to have a credit score above 520 at the time of application.
  • Preference is given to households with employment in Howard County.
  • Criminal background, debt profile, and rental history are also considered.

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.

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

• 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

• 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

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

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.

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.