Find Help In Carroll County
Several organizations in Carroll County provide help with utility bills, housing expenses, food, and other essential needs. Some also offer support for mental health and substance use concerns.
This guide highlights a few of the most frequently requested resources in Carroll County.
Looking for something else? The 211 Community Resource database includes more than 7,000 programs and services. Search by need and ZIP code.
Human Services Programs Of Carroll County
The Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc. is a Community Action Agency, and one of the organizations 211 Information and Referral Specialists most frequently recommend. The nonprofit connects eligible residents with programs and services that promote stability and self-sufficiency.
Programs and services include:
- Emergency shelter
- Eviction prevention and other housing assistance
- Utility assistance (helps with OHEP applications)
- Employment (help those facing barriers due to re-entry, substance use, and mental health)
- Tax preparation and assistance
- Family support center (child health and development, adult education and parenting, family enrichment)
Learn about eligibility for these programs.
The Shepherd's Staff for Essential Needs
The Shepherd's Staff is a non-denominational Christian outreach organization located in Westminster that supports individuals and families experiencing financial hardship or an unexpected crisis.
They help Carroll County residents with food, clothing, utility assistance, emergency financial help, and other essential services.
Programs and services include:
- Food through the community soup kitchen
- Back to school supplies
- Clothing assistance
- Hygiene and personal care products through Blessings Closet
- Utility assistance
- Emergency financial assistance
The emergency financial assistance may cover healthcare costs, housing, temporary lodging, utility bills, transportation, household goods, funeral costs, summer camp or daycare fees, and job-related costs.
The Blessings Closet provides free household and personal care items, including toilet paper, laundry detergent, shampoo, deodorant, hand sanitizer, and other daily essentials. The supplies are available by appointment only.
North East Social Action Program (NESAP)
The North East Social Action Program (NESAP) helps individuals and families with rent, security deposits, utilities, food, clothing, and minor medical and dental bills, including eyeglasses and prescriptions.
NESAP has a Thrift Store and a food pantry with food, hygiene items, and some baby items.
Find out if you're eligible for these programs.
Springboard Community Services
Springboard Community Services has several locations throughout Maryland, including Carroll County. They help transform the lives of adults and children with mental health services and housing support.
They offer:
- Behavioral health care
- Case management
- Housing support
- Family violence
- Domestic violence and emergency housing
- Youth services
Find Food in Carroll County
If you need food, there are 24/7 little free food pantries throughout Carroll County, as well as food pantries open every day of the week. The Westminster Rescue Mission has a list of the programs each day.
The Westminster Rescue Mission also has food distribution sites in Westminster, Eldersburg, Finksburg, Hampstead, Taneytown, and Union Bridge. Some of these are walk-up locations, and others are drive-thru distribution sites. Find a location and learn about eligibility.
Veteran Help
The Carroll County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) helps eligible Veterans and their families who need advocacy services or emergency help with food, housing, utilities, personal needs, transportation, and limited emergency medical needs.
The VAC can also help with military records and medals, compensation, pension, survivor benefits, home loans, employment, VA billing issues, and referrals for housing and transportation.
explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters.
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs.
Taxes
Free tax preparation help, software, tax credits
explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters
Taxes
Free tax preparation help, software, tax credits
