Help is available in Howard County. Dial 2-1-1 or search the database to find resources near you.
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.
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.
Food
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 and formula, and more.
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.
You can find other food resources by calling 2-1-1.
