Child Care Payments

The Purchase of Care program provides financial assistance to income-eligible residents. Call the Department of Social Services (410-872-4200 ext. 363) for information.

Day Care Meals

Parents of children in family day care may ask their providers to learn more about nutrition education and meal reimbursement (funded from USDA through Md. Dept. of Ed.) provided by the Child and Adult Care Food Program of Social Services (410-872-4204).

Energy Assistance Funds

Apply in person at the Community Action Council (410-313-6440) for the federally funded Maryland Energy Assistance Program. Proof of income and other documentation is required; assistance is limited to once a year.

Fuel Fund

The Community Action Council (410-313-6440) coordinates the privately funded Fuel Fund Program for low income families (150% of federal poverty level). Proof of income and proof of need are required with the application; assistance is limited to once a year.

Weatherization Funds

Apply in person at the Community Action Council (410-313-6440) for federal weatherization assistance. Proof of income and other documents are required; applications are limited to one per residence.

Advice for Home Buyers

Home buyers can call Housing and Community Development (410-313-6318) to arrange an interview for pre-purchase counseling and information about purchase affordability, settlement costs, down-payment expenses, and available financing through the Community Development Administration, FHA and Community Homebuyers.

Money Management

Cooperative Extension (410-313-1911) provides a free, confidential Financial Counseling Service to help families reduce indebtedness and become competent financial planners.

Food Bank

Apply in person at the Community Action Council (410-313-6440), Social Services or Office on Aging for assistance from the Food Bank, stocked by donations. Proof of income and proof of need are required.

Food Distribution

The Community Action Council (410-313-6440) administers the Emergency Food Assistance Program which distributes food for lowincome persons three times a year. Proof of income is required.

Food Stamps

Social Services administers the Food Stamp program. Eligibility is based on program requirements; the benefit level depends on family size and available resources. Call 410-872-4201 for application hours. For each family member, bring verification of identity, social security card, and birth certificate. Proof of income or living arrangements is also needed.

WIC Program

For free screening and an eligibility interview for the supplemental food program for women, infants and children (WIC), call the Columbia Health Center (410-313-7510).

Alternative Home Ownership Financing Options

Those who want to purchase a home but need assistance in lowering the purchase price to an affordable level can consider co-ownership opportunities through the Housing Commission. Call 410-313-6320 for details.

Eviction Prevention

Low income renters who are about to be evicted may qualify for assistance to prevent the eviction. Apply in person at the Community Action Council (410-313-6440). Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and provide proof of income and proof of need.

First Month's Rent

Low-income persons may qualify for assistance in paying the first month's rent for a new residence. Apply in person at the Community Action Council (410-313-6440). Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and provide proof of income and proof of need.

Home Ownership Program

For information about home ownership opportunities for income-eligible individuals and families, call Housing (410-313-6320).

Loans for Home Buyers

For information about loans of up to $6,000 toward settlement or down-payment costs for first-time home buyers, call Housing (410-313-6320).

Public Housing

Income-eligible families and people with disabilities can apply for a public housing unit. Applicants must live or work in Howard County and meet specific criteria. Call Housing and Community Development (410-313-6320) for details.

Rental Allowance Program

Individuals who are homeless or renters who are about to be evicted may qualify for a six-month assistance with rent. Apply in person at the Community Action Council (410-313-6440). Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and provide proof of income and proof of need.

Section 8 Rental Assistance

Income eligible families, seniors, and people with disabilities can apply for Section 8 Rental Assistance. The waiting time is estimated at two to three years. Applicants are required to complete an interview for eligibility (income eligibility is below 50% of median), live or work in Howard County, and meet federal preference. Call Housing and Community Development (410-313-6318) for information.

Service Link Housing

The Community Action Council offers a full range of financial services in local housing communities. On-site staff will provide case management services to assist residents in eliminating problems and situations that cause stress. Visit our staff or call before a crisis occurs: Community Homes (410-730-6596 ext. 10); Guilford Gardens (410-381-0769); or Hilltop Community (410-313-2671).

Shelter for Homeless

Individuals or families who are homeless or who are facing eviction may apply in person at the Tubman Center (410-531-6677) on Freetown Road for temporary shelter. Circumstances will be evaluated against eligibility criteria.

Fire Victim Assistance

Fire and Rescue (410-313-6000) helps fire victims by arranging for housing, clothing and other related needs.

HT Ride

HT Ride provides specialized transportation for low-income residents. Certification is available through the Community Action Council (410-313-6440).

Medical Assistance

The Department of Social Services (410-872-4201) administers the Medical Assistance program. Eligibility is based on program requirements and depends on family size and available resources. Applications are accepted Mon., Tues, Thurs. and Fri., 8-11 a.m. Bring proof of income or living arrangements; for each family member, bring verification of identity, social security card and birth certificate.

Medical Assistance Transportation

Call the Health Department (410-313-6300) for details.

Scholarships for Recreation

Scholarships are available on a limited basis for low-income residents to participate in activities sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Parks. Call 410-313-7275 for details.

Smoke Detectors

Life Safety (410-313-6040) provides free smoke detectors to low-income residents.

Temporary Cash Assistance

Eligibility is based on program requirements; the financial assistance level depends on family size and available resources. Social Services (410-872-4201) accepts applications Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. 8-11 a.m. For each family member, bring verification of identity, social security card and birth certificate; proof of income, assets and living arrangements is also needed.

Transitional Emergency, Medical & Housing Assistance

TEMHA is a state-funded program to provide a safety net of critical assistance to low-income, disabled adults who are not eligible for other categories of public assistance. Call Social Services (410-872-4201) for more information and needed documentation.

Unemployment

If you are unemployed (separated from employment through no fault of your own), you may call the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (410-949-0022) Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. to determine eligibility for services. Benefits are determined by wages earned during your base period (the first four quarters of the last five calendar quarters completed before you file your first claim).