Howard County
211 has you covered whether you live in Columbia, North Laurel, Elkridge, Fulton, Savage, Ellicott City, Woodlawn, Catonsville, MacGills, Clarksville, or another area of Howard County. Find top community resources for Howard County.
Popular Food Resources
Search the Community Resource Database for nearby organizations that can help with food. These are common searches to get started. Click the button below that fits the need, and then on the results page enter a ZIP code to find nearby locations.
Howard County Food Bank
Do you need food? The Howard County Food Bank located at 9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J in Columbia, Maryland offers a grocery store layout where eligible individuals and families can choose the foods they'd like.
Selection includes:
- fresh produce
- dairy
- breads
- baked goods
- frozen meat
- boxed food
- diapers
- wipes
- baby food
- formula
Shopping hours are Tuesday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome during the week, and it's by appointment only on Saturday. Hours vary, so check the times for each day.
You can shop twice a month, but you must provide documentation to meet eligibility requirements before you can receive Food Bank help. You can learn about eligibility requirements and apply here.
Other Food Resources
To find other food pantries and resources in Howard County, dial 211 or search our database.
You can also use the Howard County Food Connection Map, which includes transportation routes.
Maryland Responds to Shutdown
Impacted by the shutdown? 211 is a one-stop resource for Marylanders looking for food and other essential needs.
Get connected to community resources and support on our Maryland Responds page.
Howard County Housing
If you need help with housing, the Community Action Council (CAC) of Howard County provides grants to:
- prevent eviction
- help with paying the first month’s rent or one month past due
- other emergency housing needs
Funding is very limited, so you must meet all program requirements. You can answer a series of questions to see if you may be eligible. Due to limited funds, you need to send all program-specific documentation to start the process.
Laurel Day Center
While not in Howard County, residents are eligible to access services from the City of Laurel Multiservice Center. There is a Day Center that provides basic needs to prevent homelessness and support those in a life transition. Showers, hygiene supplies, clothing, and food are available as well as connections to other community resources.
Utility Bills
If your utility bill is past due, you may qualify for utility assistance from the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). Learn about income guidelines, the types of utility assistance grants available to Howard County residents, and how to fill out the application.
If you need help with the application, you can contact the Community Action Council in Columbia.
Mental Health
There are several organizations in Howard County offering mental health help, including Grassroots Crisis Intervention. They have a free walk-in counseling program for anyone needing immediate support or crisis intervention for mental health, personal, situational or a family crisis.
They also screen for substance use disorder at the Columbia Grassroots location.
You can also always reach a crisis counselor by calling or texting 988.
If you need a behavioral health provider, search for a provider.
explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Food
Free food near me, pantries, SNAP, WIC, grocery savings.
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters.
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs.
Immigration
Immigration help for new Americans and refugees
explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Food
Free food near me, pantries, SNAP, WIC, grocery savings
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters
Immigration
Immigration help for new Americans and refugees
