ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, joined by U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth and other Howard County leaders, today, announced measures the county is taking to minimize the impact of the latest federal government shutdown. Photos from the event can be found on the County’s Flickr website and video on the County’s YouTube page.
“Once again, millions of Americans are facing the unnecessary uncertainty and the stress of living without a paycheck,” said Ball. “A shutdown does not just negatively affect our Country at large…it affects our neighbors, our community, and the families we see every day. To help our neighbors during this challenging time, we are going to do what we do best – lead with love. We remain committed to providing various measurable support to help our residents through these unprecedented times.”
Ball also thanked the congressional delegation – Senator Van Hollen, Senator Alsobrooks, and Congresswoman Elfreth for fighting for Howard County and its federal employees and contractors. He added he’s been working closely with the congressional delegation since the shutdown.
“I want to thank County Executive Calvin Ball and all of our local partners for stepping up in this moment,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. “We've witnessed so many in our community lose their jobs arbitrarily because the President doesn't understand or appreciate the of federal workers. I want to say thank you to our federal employees. You might be our neighbors, but you're the ones who are answering the phone at Social Security and delivering for veterans. If Congress does not do its job and address this health care crisis head-on, our constituents will suffer. I will work with anybody who will work with me to reach a bipartisan budget deal that does not put at risk the health care of 20 million Americans.”
Ball and County leaders and partners outlined the following measures Howard County has implemented in the wake of the federal government shutdown that occurred on October 1, 2025:
Howard County’s Foreclosure Prevention Program
Earlier this year, in response to the mass federal layoffs, Howard County expanded its Foreclosure Prevention Program. The Howard County Department of Housing continues to leverage $1 million in funding from the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund for this critical intervention. Over the past 18 months, the department has provided more than $311,000 to bring mortgage accounts current for 30 households so they could avoid foreclosure. The County revised the program parameters to allow residents to apply for assistance after two missed mortgage payments, instead of three.
Additionally, to help residents who are furloughed and facing eviction, the State has removed the requirement to prove furlough status in order to receive assistance. Instead, the State is now allowing a self-attestation from residents stating they are furloughed. However, applicants must still provide proof of income eligibility and proof of past due mortgage payments to qualify. To be eligible for assistance:
- You must be a resident of Howard County;
- You must have a past due mortgage on your primary residence;
- You must not exceed 100% of the County’s Area Median Income; and
- You must be between 2-6 months behind on mortgage payments.
Howard County Water Services
- Howard County will not cut off water services for impacted federal workers. Please contact the Water and Sewer Billing Division in our Department of Finance at 410-313-2058 if you are impacted by the furlough.
Department of Community Resources and Services
- Impacted residents in need of additional health or human services to ensure stability during this time, should contact the Department of Community Resources and Services at 410-313-6400 or the Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234. A complete list of resources can be found at: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/community-resources-services
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS)
- Howard County families who have lost pay due to the shutdown may apply for the Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FARMS) program by visiting the food services page on the HCPSS website. The HCPSS Food and Nutrition Office will determine eligibility status within 24-48 hours. Families that would not ordinarily qualify for this program could be eligible for the remainder of the school year because of the current loss of income. Additionally, families that are adversely impacted, including those who do not qualify for the Free and Reduced-Priced Meals program, will have the remainder of the school year to pay off any meal balances incurred during the government shutdown.
- Student Services staff at each school are prepared and available to assist students during the school day and numerous resources are available on our website.
Food Assistance
- The Community Action Council of Howard County will provide pre-bagged shelf staples to federal employees living in Howard County up to two times a month during the shutdown. You must present federal identification at the food bank. Federal employees who have been terminated may visit the food bank twice a month for up to three months. You must bring proof of Howard County residency and proof of termination.
Utility assistance
- BGE is providing expanded bill payment support options such as flexible payment options, late payment charge waivers and streamlined verification. Impacted customers will be eligible for multiple payment arrangements and budget billing plans. A 30-day waiver on late payment charges will be granted in increments for affected customers.
Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks
Recreation and Parks is offering to arrange alternate payment schedules for fees or recreational classes and access to facilities for impacted federal workers and contractors. To establish a payment schedule, call 410-313-7275.
Upcoming Events at Howard County Libraries
Two educational opportunities are available for residents to navigate these critical times:
- Build Your Budget Workshop
- October 14 at 6:30 p.m.
- Central Branch Library
- Presented by the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU). Learn how to create and manage a simple budget that tracks your income and expenses, helping you take control of your finances and reach your goals.
- Landlord-Tenant: Know Your Rights Workshop
- October 27 at 6:00 p.m.
- Central Branch Library
- Join the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection to get answers to common rental questions—like rent increases, breaking a lease, and more.
Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA)
Sponsored by Tower Federal Credit Union, HCEDA is offering the Howard County Business Resource Expo on October 23rd. It is a one-stop event designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools they need to grow and succeed. Attendees will meet local lenders, technical assistance providers, and business support organizations offering guidance on financing, marketing, and more. The event will feature a panel on HCEDA’s loan programs, including the Catalyst Loan Fund, and highlight other capital and advisory resources available through county and regional partners. There will be sessions offered: 1) Perfecting Your Lending Documents, and 2) BRITE Info Session
Office of Workforce Development (OWD)
OWD is continuing to be available with workforce supports including career coaching, assistance finding temporary or full-time work, building new skills through training, or updating assisting residents with updating their resume and LinkedIn profile. They can also connect workers directly with employers who are hiring right now and make sure they have access to technology and resources workers might need.
Here’s what others had to say:
“The Department of Housing and Community Development is available to assist residents with the foreclosure prevention program application or answer any questions. Please visit the Housing and Community Development website for more information,” said Kelly Cimino, Department of Housing and Community Development Director.
“The Department of Recreation and Parks is here to support our community, and we want to ensure everyone can continue enjoying the programs and services that bring us together,” said Nick Mooneyhan, Director of Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. “Families impacted by the federal shutdown can contact the department for information regarding flexible payment arrangements or to learn more about the department's financial assistance program.”
“The Department of Community Resources and Services, stands ready and committed to serving our families, older adults, caregivers, and overall community during this challenging time,” said Jackie Scott, Director of Department of Community Resources and Services. “We are working daily to ensure continuity of essential services across all of our eight offices through our “no wrong door” philosophy. We are prepared to support Howard County residents impacted by the federal shutdown with items such as: access to food assistance including (congregate meals, home-delivered meals), with benefits counseling and enrollment, information and referral services, and case management.”
“Howard County has always been a place where community comes first,” said Stephanie Adibe, Howard County Office of Workforce Development Administrator. “In times like these, our office is stepping up to make sure families affected by the federal shutdown have the support, skills, and opportunities they need to weather this storm and come out stronger.”
“With the federal government shutdown, many of the programs led by SBA-from counseling to access to capital- are on hold. We know how challenging that can be for small business owners who are working hard to grow and keep moving forward,” said Jennifer Jones, President of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “We encourage our small business community to join us at the Maryland Innovation Center for our Expo on October 23 and take advantage of our local programs.”
“The hardships that many Howard County families may experience during this shutdown further challenge a student’s ability to be available for learning during the school day,” said Bill Barnes, Superintendent of HCPSS. “We have uplifted supports available for families on our website, including possible eligibility for the Free and Reduced-Prices Meals program. I hope we see a swift resolution to the shutdown so impacted federal employees and people who depend on federal services are able to return to normalcy.”
“Public libraries have always been places where people turn in times of strength and in times of need - not only for trusted, reliable information, but also for support, connection, and relief,” said Tonya Aikens, Howard County Library System President & CEO. “Howard County Library System is a welcoming third space for people seeking places to gather, rest, connect, and find a sense of normalcy. Our team can guide Federal workers and others affected by the shutdown to accurate information about available resources. We are your place to learn, connect and grow, and we are here for you.”
“For 60 years, the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) has been proud to serve as our county’s community action agency. We stand ready to support federal workers impacted by the shutdown through our Howard County Food Bank. With proof of residence and federal employment, individuals can access nutritious food and learn about additional services available through CAC and our community partners,” said Tracy Broccolino, President of the CAC. "We are here to help."
To see what assistance you may be eligible for, please visit https://howardcounty.prefixhealth.com/#/register/v1