About
The Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) recognizes the growing needs of the more than 20,000 veterans and active duty members who call Howard County home. With the various programs and services offered within our government, nonprofit and business community, we assist in the navigation of available resources.
The Department of Community Resources and Services “No Wrong Door” policy can help identify scams targeting military members, assist a disabled veteran or veteran caregiver with services, help a homeless veteran find housing, and assist a relocating military family with childcare options.
Opening and Dedication of the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument
After more than 10 years of planning, the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument is complete and was dedicated on May 14. The Office of Veterans and Military Families joined County Executive Calvin Ball, local veterans and the Howard County Veterans Foundation to celebrate the unveiling of this inspirational monument at Vivian C. “Millie” Bailey Park, 10275 Wincopin Circle in Columbia.
To learn more about the monument opening and dedication, visit the Howard County Veterans Foundation website.
Additional Resources
For VA Benefit Support
Katherine Perkins, Maryland Dept. of Veteran and Military Families Benefit Specialist
Address: 9900 Washington Blvd N, Laurel, MD 20723
Email: katherine.perkins@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-313-0229 (voice/relay)
Stay in touch with the latest news and events for Howard County veterans and military families.
American Legion: Ellicott City Post 156
Address: P.O. Box 2416, Ellicott City, MD 21041
https://www.legionpost156maryland.org/
Contact Greg Jolissaint at commander@legionpost156maryland.org or John Spain at adjutant@legionpost156maryland.org
Members meet monthly on the 3rd Thursday at VFW Post 7472 in Ellicott City, 7 to 8:00 p.m., with fellowship from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Lunch and fellowship on the 2nd Friday at the Columbia Crossing Mission BBQ.
Since its charter in 1974, Adams, Hanna, Moore Memorial Post 156 has welcomed veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces. Joining Post 156 enables a Veteran to continue serving God, country and community. Our AL Post 156 mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families embodied in the American Legion preamble. Some of our programs include an Oratorical Program that awards monetary prizes and scholarships to winners; a quarterly Flag Retirement program and ceremony; a Boys State/Girls State sponsorship program; Howard County Veterans Day Parade support; an Annual First Responder Recognition program; and JROTC cadet awards.
American Legion: Columbia Post 300
Address: P.O. Box 6812, Columbia, MD 21045
Phone: 410-340-7892
https://americanlegionpost300columbiamd.com/
Contact George Delaney at 240-381-5909 or delprops9@gmail.com
Members meet monthly on the 4th Thursday at Cornerstone Church, 7277 Eden Brook Dr, Columbia, MD 21046. Lunch and Fellowship on the 3rd Friday at Mission BBQ in Columbia, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., except December. Fellowship breakfast on the 2nd Saturday at Bob Evans, 8325 Benson Dr, Columbia, MD 21045 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Family members welcome to attend.
Columbia Post 300 prides itself on the work it does in the community with buddy check calls and home and assisted living center visits, flag retirement and Memorial Day ceremonies, youth oratorical contest and scholarships, Scouting support, and much more.
Marine Corps League, Detachment 1084
P.O. Box 2416, Ellicott City, MD 21041
667-261-5709 • https://mcl1084.org/
Contact Bill Swain at swainwc@gmail.com
Members meet monthly meeting on the 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Mission BBQ Event Room, 3410 Plumtree Drive #102, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship to preserve the traditions and promote the interests of the United States Marine Corps. This is accomplished by banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service; voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans; and by perpetuating the history of the United States Marine Corps through fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Yingling-Ridgely Post No. 7472
4225 VFW Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043-5428
410-465-4240 • www.vfw7472.org
Contact Jeff Kelley at jeff_kelley75@yahoo.com
Members meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday at the Yingling-Ridgely VFW 7472 Post, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Lunch and fellowship on the first Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Mission BBQ at 3410 Plumtree Drive #102, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
VFW aims to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts; serve our veterans, the military, their families, and the community; advocate on behalf of all veterans.
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Fort Meade Chapter
https://www.mdmoaa.org/Ft-George-G-Meade
Contact Gregory Rhoden, LtCol. USMC (Ret) at grhoden.moaa@outlook.com
Meetings are held on the last Saturday of each month, with a summer recess during July and August.
The MOAA Fort Meade Chapter brings together members of the military community for fellowship, service, and advocacy. Our activities include informative guest speakers, legislative and veterans’ advocacy, support for local JROTC programs, community outreach, and social opportunities. We also partner with the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) on programs and activities that support our shared commitment to service and the military community. Join us to stay connected, make new friendships, and continue making a difference.
Housing Insecurity
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or is in danger of losing housing, please use the resources below for assistance.
- Experiencing Homelessness? Contact Grassroots for Assistance
- Grassroots 24/7 Hotline: 410-531-6677
- Walk-ins: 8990 Old Annapolis Rd, Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045
- Have questions regarding Housing Vouchers?
- Contact the Howard County Housing Commission: 443-518-7800
- Located at: 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr, Ste 100, Columbia, MD 21046
- Website: www.househoward.org
- For assistance locating rental housing:
- Columbia Housing Center: 301-969-5700
- Columbia Housing Center Website
- Find affordable housing options:
- Visit Maryland Housing Search for more information.
- Contact Toll-Free at: 877-428-8844 | Español: 1-877-428-8844 | TDD/TTY: 7-1-1
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Free help for Homeless Veterans: Call 877-424-3838 (voice/relay)
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—and their family members, friends and supporters—can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who Can Call:
- Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
- VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
- Federal, state and local partners
Commission for Veterans and Military Families
Established in 2011 by County legislation, the Commission is comprised of 13 members and created to support veterans and military families by strengthening Howard County’s capacity to care for them. By connecting them to available resources, promoting educational and employment opportunities, and continuing community outreach efforts, we are committed to honoring our veteran and military families.
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