Community Partnerships: Enriching lives through access and support

The Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) seeks to enrich the lives of Howard County residents by offering ready access to human services and supports to help them become self-sufficient.

OCP strives to ensure residents have access to the resources they need to create meaningful opportunities and lead fulfilling lives.

Colorful words on chalkboard describing community

Introducing HoCo Exel - Howard County's new Nonprofit Execlerator

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball launched HoCo EXCEL, Howard County’s new Nonprofit Excelerator Program in February 2024 with County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) Director Jackie Scott and representatives from the Association of Community Services (ACS) and Community Foundation of Howard  County (CFHoCo) at the Nonprofit Collaborative of Howard County in Columbia.

HoCo EXCEL will help advance Howard County nonprofits over the next three years. The County has invested $340,000 in kickoff funding to provide knowledge, new skills and tools to further nonprofits. This funding also provides specialized coaching, training and annual grants for a cohort of five nonprofits that will be selected in late spring.

HoCo Excel Partner Photo4

Programs & Resources

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Community Service Partnership (CSP) Grants Program

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The purpose of the CSP Program is to equitably meet basic needs and foster safety, security, and well-being for Howard County residents through funding, collaboration, and technical assistance to human service nonprofits.

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Coalition to End Homelessness - Continuum of Care (CoC)

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The CoC is the local planning body that coordinates Federal and State housing and support services funding for homeless families and individuals.

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Coordinated Entry System of Homeless Services

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The Coordinated Entry System of Homeless Services is a network of community services and supports that coordinates efforts to end homelessness in Howard County.

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Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS)

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Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS)  tracks and provides information on homelessness in Howard County.

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The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

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Local Boards are convened in qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need and best use of funds and to select Local Recipient Organizations that will provide emergency food and shelter services. Each year, needs are to be assessed to respond to changes in the community.

The Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency (BPSS)

The Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency (BPSS) was created in 2008 to act as a planning and coordinating body for initiatives that promote the economic stability of individuals and families and reduce the incidence of poverty in Howard County. The Board envisions a community where those in need have opportunities and pathways for getting ahead.

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