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.
Additional Resources
For VA Benefit Support:
Katherine Perkins, Maryland Dept. of Veteran and Military Families Benefit Specialist
9900 Washington Blvd N, Laurel, MD 20723
katherine.perkins@maryland.gov
410-313-0229 (voice/relay)
Maryland Department of Veteran and Military Families
Request Your Military Service Records Online, by Mail, or by Fax
VA Community Care (formerly VA Choice Program)
Stay in touch with the latest news and events for Howard County veterans and military families.
American Legion: Ellicott City Post 156
P.O. Box 2416, Ellicott City, MD 21041
410-340-7892 • www.legionpost156maryland.org
Members meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month at VFW Post 7472 in Ellicott City, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; lunch and Fellowship on the 2nd Friday of the month. Contact Michael Blum at adjutant@legionpost156maryland.org
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 you to continue serving your God, country and community. Our mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families embodied in our preamble. Some of our programs include Boy Scout Venturing Crew in marksmanship, Boy Scout shotgun merit badge sponsorship, Flag Retirement program, Vets-in-School program, Boys State/Girls State sponsorship program, Veterans Day Parade, Annual First Responder Recognition and JROTC award program.
American Legion: Columbia Post 300
9405 Guilford Rd, Columbia, MD 21046
410-997-3863 • www.americanlegionpost300.com
Meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at Cornerstone Church in Kings Contrivance, Columbia; lunch and Fellowship on the 3rd Friday of the month at Mission BBQ in Columbia, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., except December. All are welcome.
Contact: Vice Commander George Delaney at delprops9@gmail.com or 240-381-5909.
Columbia Post 300 prides itself on the work it does in the community, which gives life to their motto “Serving the Youth and Veterans of Howard County.” The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, wartime veterans’ organization, and now has nearly three million members—men and women—in nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide.
Marine Corps League, Detachment 1084
P.O. Box 2416, Ellicott City, MD 21041
410-340-7892 • www.hcmcl.iwarp.com
Contact Bill Swain at wswain@ultra-palsinc.com
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-Ridgley Post No. 7472
4225 VFW Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043-5428
410-465-4240 • www.vfw7472.org
Monthly Members meeting is held the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Ying-Ling Ridgely VFW 7472 post, from 7 -8:30 p.m. Contact Shelby Rogers at sl1940rj0731@gmail.com to attend.
VFW aims to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts; serve our veterans, the military and our communities; and advocate on behalf of all veterans.
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.
Anyone Experiencing Homelessness Must First Contact Grassroots for Assistance
Grassroots 24/7 Hotline: 410-531-6677
Walk-ins: 8990 Old Annapolis Rd, Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045
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
Assistance Locating Housing for Rent
Columbia Housing Center: 301-969-5700
Website: www.columbiahousingcenter.org
Affordable Housing Options
Visit Maryland Housing Search at https://mdhousingsearch.org
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
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.
Call 877-424-3838
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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