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 And Utility Bills
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 and other emergency housing needs. Funding is very limited, so you must meet all program requirements.
If your utility bill is past due and is unrelated to COVID-19, 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 CAC in Columbia.
Food
Do you need food? The Howard County Food Connection Map is an interactive tool to help individuals and families find food. The map includes transit and other nutrition resources.
Mental Health
There are several organizations in Howard County offering mental health help, including Grassroots. 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.
