Find Help In 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.
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 meats
- 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.
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.
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 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.
Community Action Council
The Communication Action Council also offers full-day, year-round before and after care programs, summer camps, Early Head Start, Head Start, and pre-kindergarten programs.
They also provide hearing, vision, and dental screenings. The Communication Action Council can also help with SNAP applications.
Laurel Day Center
Utility Bills
If your utility bill is past due, you may qualify for utility assistance from the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). The 211 guide to utility assistance explains 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.
Utility Bills
If your utility bill is past due, you may qualify for utility assistance from the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). The 211 guide to utility assistance explains 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 that offer mental health support, 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.
Need Something else?
211 has information and referrals for other essential needs. Learn about assistance programs available for food, housing, utility assistance, and more!
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
