County Executive

The County Executive is the head of the executive branch of government in Howard County and is elected to a four-year term.

George Howard Building
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City , MD 21043
United States

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About

County Executive Calvin Ball is a Maryland native and a resident of Columbia, where he and his wife Shani are proud parents of two daughters who attend and graduated from Howard County public schools.

In 2006, Ball made history when he was elected the youngest Chairperson in the history of the Howard County Council. He made history again in 2018, when he became the first African-American to be elected Howard County Executive.

"We are focused on becoming the best county not just overall, but for all—by being data-informed, people-driven, and expanding opportunity for all." - County Executive Calvin Ball

Constituent Services

County Executive Ball is committed to a responsive government. Our Constituent Services team can help navigate the county bureaucracy, respond to questions or concerns, and assist those trying to access County services.

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Meet Calvin

T he Honorable Dr. Calvin Ball is a Maryland native and resident of Columbia for over 20 years. He and his wife Shani Ball, RN, B.S.N, are proud parents of two daughters who attend and graduated from Howard County Public Schools.

He made history in 2006 when he was elected as the youngest Council Chairperson in Howard County history. He made history again in 2018 by becoming the first African American to be elected as Howard County Executive.

Re-elected in 2022, Dr. Ball remains dedicated to ensuring our communities are safe, strong, and accessible for all. Howard County continues to be a regional and national leader, as County Executive Ball continues to champion education, environmental conservation, the health and well-being of our residents, investments in public safety and fiscal responsibility.

Transformational vision builds the best communities, and his team has implemented innovative programs and policy solutions that are data-informed and people driven.

During his first term as Howard County Executive, he and his team have prioritized growing ready and successful students, fostering safe and engaged communities, creating a clean and sustainable environment, supporting thriving and healthy residents, building reliable and accessible infrastructure, promoting a strong and prosperous business climate, and leading an innovative and efficient government. County Executive Ball has led a robust and nationally recognized response to COVID-19 pandemic.

County Executive Ball is currently serving as President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) for 2023-2024 term. Previously serving as 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, he serves on a six-member Executive Committee. This committee oversees its fiscal, personnel, and management concerns as well as advocating for the shared legislative agenda for all 24 jurisdictions across the state. In 2012, he founded the Diversity Caucus of MACo, the first statewide caucus for county elected officials of color. He also participated in the National Association of Counties and Gates Foundation “Economic Mobility Leadership Network” to explore the role counties can play to positively affect economic mobility. Ball is also the 2023 Chair of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC). .

County Executive Ball holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Towson State University, Master of Arts in Legal and Ethical Studies from the University of Baltimore, where he was nominated for the Spirit of Excellence Award, and Doctor of Education from Morgan State University. Dr. Ball is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and is a dedicated supporter of all historically Black Greek letter organizations which serve our community. He is also a lifetime member of the NAACP.

Our Pillars

News

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Provides Update on Progress on Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Education Plan

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Opens New, Innovative Bicycle Traffic Garden at Huntington Park in Columbia

Howard County Executive Ball Seeks Applicants for Human Trafficking Prevention and Coordination Council

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Opens New Boys & Girls Club in Innovative Partnership with Howard Community College

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Releases New Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy to Reduce Speeding on County Roads

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announces $1.1 Million Grant Awarded to County Office on Aging and Independence

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announces Innovative Partnership with Life-Saving Training with School and Shock Trauma

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Unveils Impactful State Grant Supporting Howard County’s Youth Mental and Behavioral Health

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Releases Applications for FY25 Youth Engagement Programming Grants

Howard County Announces Implementation of a Complete Streets Leadership Academies Quick-Build Demonstration Project on US 1

Howard County Collaborates with Ellicott City Partnership to Launch Façade Improvement Grants for Main Street Businesses

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announces the County Has Been Accepted as an FEC Academy Planning Grantee

Howard County Launches Service Line Stewardship Program to Protect Water Quality and Comply with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions

Impactful Investments in Howard County Fire and RescueServices Improves Department’s Public Protection Classification Score

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announces Two Innovative Programs to Support Small and Local Businesses

Upcoming Events

Leadership Team

About

Brandee Ganz served as the County’s Chief Information Officer from 2019 –2023, where she managed more than 100 employees within the Department of Technology and Communication Services. During that time, she oversaw numerous projects and initiatives, helping to ensure the County’s Information Technology (IT) needs and standards were met and maintained.

During her tenure at the Department, her team’s focus was to ensure the safety of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, while keeping all County services safe and secure. Ganz led efforts to move the County’s workforce to a remote environment, without service interruption to staff or residents.

With the need to move all government meetings online during quarantine, but still allow for transparency and public input, her team quickly built a digital platform allowing all meetings and events to be hosted virtually. This included County Council meetings, budget meetings, board meetings, and several townhall events to provide crucial information to the community.

Also, during this time, her team partnered with County Administration to launch the Transform Howard Initiative, which continues to bridge the digital divide within the County. This was evident as her team worked closely with the Howard County Public School System to enhance and build out their internet services, allowing all students were able to connect into the classroom virtually.

In March of 2023 Ganz became the 2nd woman to serve as Chief Administrative Officer for the County.

In County Administration she oversees the following offices: Law, Budget, Procurement, Human Resources, Human Rights and Equity, Transportation, Community Sustainability, Workforce Development, Fleet, Mail Services, Public Information, and Staff Services. She also oversees the following Departments: Technology and Communication Services, Finance, and Recreation and Parks.

In addition to the offices and departments, she also oversees Public Safety for the County. This includes Police, Fire and Corrections.

She also oversees Labor Management and serves as a Trustee of both the Howard County Employees’ Pension Plan and the Howard County Police and Fire Pension Plan.

About

A. Raul Delerme is the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. Delerme has been with the county since 1990, most recently serving as the Director of Recreation & Parks. In that role, he oversaw over 1,200 employees and was responsible for the maintenance and operation of over 100 parks and historic sites, the stewardship of 9,920 acres of recreation & park lands, over 10,000 recreation program offerings to be enjoyed by over 100,000 participants, and host of local, regional and national sporting and social events.

With 33 years of experience with Howard County Recreation and Parks, Delerme has served as a Director, a former Bureau Chief of Capital Projects, Park Planning & Construction, and a former Park Planner. Major improvements Delerme brought during his tenure with the department include building three community centers and Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, creating three new regional parks (Western Regional, Troy, and Blandair), providing a greater variety of amenities within each park, and the opening of the new Harriet Tubman Cultural Center.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from Penn State University.

About

Jamar Herry has been working in the Howard County Government since September 2017. Mr. Herry is currently a Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) with the Department of County Administration. In this role, he provides oversight to various County Departments and Offices. In addition, Mr. Herry provides guidance and review of County policies and procedures. Further, he manages labor relations with the unions within Howard County Government.

Prior to serving as a DCAO, he worked in the Howard County Office of Law as a Senior Assistant County Solicitor. His primary responsibility, as a Senior Assistant County Solicitor, was to provide legal advice and legal representation on personnel matters to County Departments, County Offices, and the County Council.

Before Mr. Herry joined the Howard County Government, he worked for the Prince George’s County Office of Law from 2008 to 2017 as an Associate County Attorney. In this role, he advised and represented Prince George’s County Departments on personnel matters, served as a legal advisor to the Prince George’s County Police Department, and represented the Prince George’s County of Department of Social Services in Child in Need of Assistance and Adult Protective Services cases.

Mr. Herry is a member of the Maryland State Bar, United States District Court of Maryland Bar, and the Bar for the United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. He received his Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

About

Angela Cabellon serves as Chief of Staff. She has served as the County’s first Chief Innovation Officer and the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer since 2018. Cabellon initiated and oversaw the development of the county’s first performance dashboard, the Howard County Data Analytics and Statistics Hub (HoCo DASH). She made more than $1.8M available to support innovation and operations needs for non-profits. Cabellon oversaw the COVID-19 pandemic on behalf of the County Executive, ensuring a data-informed, people-driven response to policy and practice. Cabellon works on policy and initiatives related to health, social services, transportation, environmental sustainability, and workforce development.

Cabellon has worked in state and local government for more than a decade. She recently hailed from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services where she served as the Social Services Officer and Deputy Chief of Children, Youth and Family Services, managing $38M in social service programs funded by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) and 5 local offices. Cabellon served as the Assistant Secretary for Policy and Program Management at DHS overseeing strategic initiatives on child welfare, child support, workforce development, the Affordable Care Act, and economic assistance.

As Senior Analyst in the Governor’s Office of Policy, Cabellon prepared all education policy briefings for the Director of Policy and former Governor O’Malley while analyzing early learning, education, and workforce data.

Cabellon was a Teach for America Corps Member in San Jose, California teaching Special Education English at Independence High School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

About

Brian joined the Office of the Executive in December of 2022. His portfolio includes the Department of Public Works, Department of Planning & Zoning, Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits and coordination with agricultural-focused boards and agencies.

Brian’s experience in and around government spans 15 years. In 2021, County Executive Ball invited him to serve as Deputy Director in the County’s Department of Planning & Zoning. In this role, he supervised the Zoning and Research divisions and guided department-wide communications and administrative initiatives, including contributing to the development of the County’s next General Plan.

Prior to joining Howard County, Brian served as General Counsel and Director of External Relations for the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), the regional planning agency for greater Baltimore. In this capacity, he managed legal and public affairs for the organization and worked closely with the region’s elected executives on transportation, housing, decennial census, emergency management, water supply and environmental issues.

Before BMC, Brian was a special assistant in Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s office, where he coordinated the Administration’s interests before the City’s spending and procurement oversight board known as the Board of Estimates. In this role, he also led the Mayor’s campaign to combat population decline and the Mayoral Fellows program. As a senior advisor to gubernatorial candidates Anthony Brown and Ken Ulman in 2014, his team developed a comprehensive statewide policy platform through extensive stakeholder engagement.

He began his career as an associate attorney with the law firm of Harris Jones & Malone, LLC, where he represented a wide variety of clients before state and local governments in Maryland. Brian is a proud graduate of University of Baltimore School of Law and University of Maryland, College Park.

About

Felix Facchine serves as Deputy Chief of Staff to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. In this role, Facchine advances several policy and programmatic areas for the County, which include budgetary and fiscal policy, transportation, housing and community development, tourism, and the arts. Facchine is instrumental in developing the annual County Budget and oversees the administration of more than $63M in federal pandemic relief funds. He also promotes Howard County's Complete Streets and multimodal transportation priorities to create a more connected, safe, and accessible transportation system. Additionally, Facchine works closely with the Ellicott City business community to foster a vibrant environment for small businesses and tourism in the historic district.

Facchine has been with Howard County Government since December 2018. Prior to joining the County Executive's office, he served for four years serving as a District Aide in the office of the Howard County Council. During his time with the Council, he worked on a wide range of issues, including legislative affairs, public policy, communications, and community outreach efforts.

Facchine is a two-time alumnus of the University of Maryland – Baltimore County, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and his Master's in Public Policy (MPP). He is a Howard County resident and lives with his family in Columbia, in the Village of Owen Brown.

About

Born and raised in Howard County, Safa Hira currently serves as the Director of Communications for Howard county Government. In this role, Hira supervises the Public Information Office, mentors and advises all County public relations staff, creates communication strategies for the Office of the County Executive and County Administration, and serves as the primary spokesperson and media contact for Howard County Government.

In addition to managing and leading the staff who work on the County Executive’s social media channels, the weekly “Ball Bulletin” e-newsletter, the creation and development of infographics, she advises the Office of the County Executive and County Administration regarding current and potential public relations issues and effective marketing strategies. Additionally, she assists in content management and coordination across the county’s public communication platforms.

Previously, Hira held positions assisting the Baltimore City Council and Maryland General Assembly. She holds an Associate’s degree from Howard Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Public Policy from the University of Baltimore, and a Master of Arts in Government with a specialization in Political Communication from Johns Hopkins University.

About

Maureen serves as the Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships to County Executive Calvin Ball. In this role, she oversees the County Executive’s legislative agenda locally and in the Maryland General Assembly. She maintains consistent collaboration with the Howard County Council, Maryland State Delegation, Governor’s Office, and our Federal Delegation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has served as the primary liaison for elected officials and staff from surrounding jurisdictions related to response and recovery efforts.

Evans Arthurs also serves on the Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee as an alternate for the County Executive and serves on the education subcommittee, which analyzes k-12 and higher education policy each legislative session. She coordinates with Administration Departments for Congressional Delegation Spending and Maryland General Assembly Legislative Bond Initiatives and worked to secure nearly $30M in capital projects for Howard County. In addition to monitoring and analyzing legislative initiatives, she has established essential partnerships with community stakeholders and leadership of our critical institutions. Her strategic partnerships portfolio includes the Board of Elections, Howard Community College, the Howard County Library System, Leadership Howard County.

Evans Arthurs previously served as Chief of Staff for Senator Shelly Hettleman, where she cultivated strategic relationships in Annapolis, researched policy and advocated for equitable public policy that improved the life outcomes for the most vulnerable Marylanders. Much of her policy research focused on higher education and reproductive health initiatives. Evans Arthurs also worked in higher education and nonprofits focused on advocating for women’s empowerment, wellness initiatives, and expanded access to increasing social capital within their communities.

As a committed community advocate, she also serves on the Board of Directors of several nonprofits, including, the Elijah Cummings Youth Program (ECYP) and HopeWorks of Howard County.

Evans Arthurs holds a Bachelor’s degree in Gender and Women’s studies and Political Science from University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is pursuing a Masters of Business Administration at Johns Hopkins University, Carey School of Business.

She is a Howard County native, graduate of Oakland Mills High School and resides with her family in Ellicott City. In her free time, she also teaches yoga at HOME Skincare and Wellness in Lisbon.

About

Since beginning his tenure with the Department of Finance in 2007, Paul Thompson has ascended through the ranks, ultimately spearheading the Division of Customer Service as Chief. His leadership there was marked by a transformative ""people-first"" approach, shifting the focus to understanding and addressing the individual needs and concerns of community members. In his current role as the Director of Constituent Services and Community Partnerships for Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, Paul leverages his extensive experience to foster deeper connections and enact tangible, positive change in the community. He embodies a philosophy where every voice is vital, and every person deserves to be heard.

Away from the rigors of professional life, Paul carries his passion into his personal sphere, being a beacon of joy and love. Whether sharing a song from his heart, enjoying a hearty laugh, or cherishing moments with his family, Paul emanates a warmth that draws people in. His journey is one of devoted service and joyful connection, standing as the warm, beating heart of the Howard County community, where love and service harmonize in a symphony of positive impact.

About

Carl DeLorenzo is Director of Policy & Programs for the County Executive at Howard County Government, which involves the formation of public policy initiatives and the implementation of programs. His subject areas include public health, behavioral health, housing opportunities, older adult services, and children and family services. Specifically, DeLorenzo has worked to expand the substance use treatment continuum in Howard County, which includes residential treatment and crisis stabilization services. He also advances many of the County’s affordable housing initiatives, including the implementation of Downtown Columbia’s affordable housing plan, and management of the County’s tax incentive program for developers of affordable housing such as Patuxent Commons and Robinson Overlook, among others. DeLorenzo oversees the implementation of Howard County’s Age Friendly Initiative, which is a multiyear plan to address the service needs of older adults in the county. Finally, DeLorenzo leads the County’s HoCo STRIVES initiative, which provides valuable community services for youth and families focused on mitigating disparities in student success.

In addition to his work in Howard County, DeLorenzo currently serves as a board member of the Maryland Nonprofits and is a graduate of the GBC Leadership Program. He has a BA in Economics from Johns Hopkins University and an MPP in Social Policy from the University of Maryland College Park.

About

Since 2004, Jennifer Sager has served as the County’s Legislative Coordinator. On behalf of County Administration, Sager analyzes and prepares legislation submitted to the County Council by the County Executive. As part of County Administration, Sager has extensive experience in the legislative process and has been involved in many legislative initiatives such as the General Plan, Comprehensive Rezoning, Building/Fire Codes, Budget legislation, and Pay and Classification Plan legislation. Sager is also involved in the drafting of all the County’s Executive Orders, including Executive Orders issued in response to states of emergency like natural disasters and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to joining the Office of County Administration in 2004, Sager worked for the law office of Knight, Manzi, Nussbaum and La Placa, formerly located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland where she assisted with the representation of the firm’s municipal clients.

Sager earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She is a Howard County native and graduate of Centennial High School. She currently lives with her family in Howard County and is active in the PTAs at the schools of her children.

About

Yousuf Ahmad joined the County Executive's Office in 2023 as the Senior Advisor for Education Policy and Performance to assist with the implantation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and to continue the innovation work that began under County Executive Ball. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director for the Office of Government Affairs, Education Policy, and External Relations for the State Department of Education where he led policy and regulatory development and implementation. During his tenure at the Department, he developed and managed initiatives to promote equitable access to education for all Marylanders, and focused on drafting legislation that supplemented the overall goals of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. He was previously a senior official in the Baltimore City Administration working on improving public safety for the Baltimore City State’s Attorney and has served as a senior analyst for the Mayor’s Office to measure, monitor, and analyze city agencies to improve efficiency and efficacy in the delivery of government services.

Yousuf lives in Elkridge with his two children.

About

Patrick Pope is a Certified Internal Auditor who serves as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for the Howard County Department of County Administration. Mr. Pope has a combined 10 years of local governmental experience, including previous roles in the legislative branch, and the school system. Those experiences provide a broad and invaluable perspective to the day-to-day responsibilities of an ACAO.

In Mr. Pope’s previous career, he was a professional international basketball player for 9 years, with stops in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and the Czech Republic.

Mr. Pope is a proud HBCU graduate, with an accounting degree from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, watching sports, exercising, and cooking.

About

Ms. Bennett has more than 30 years of experience directing human resources programs and serving in executive corporate governance roles for large public and multi-state organizations. Her background includes leading policy development, corporate compliance and ethics, labor relations and collective bargaining, pension oversight, employee relations, group insurance design and funding, risk management, and workforce development programs.

Before joining Howard County, Ms. Bennett carried out roles of Executive Director and as the Corporate Policy Director for the Maryland National Capital Park Planning Commission, and in the private sector as a contractor for NASA, Ford Aerospace and other firms to enhance quality assurance and employee/management engagement.

Ms. Bennett has attained national awards for developing progressive and innovative programs/policies that promote workplace excellence and preferred workplace initiatives. Her commitment to equal employment opportunity includes leading the implementation of the Americans with Disability Act within organizations and the development of workplace policies, programs, and training that promote diversity, inclusion and cross-cultural awareness.

Ms. Bennett holds a Business degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, with concentrations in finance and economics. She has served on a number of Boards including non-profit organizations focusing on underserved communities and mental health awareness. She is certified in group insurance plan design and funding, mediation and conflict resolution, and as a diversity engagement trainer. She is an active member of the Society of Human Resources and Management and the Risk Insurance Management Society.

Ms. Bennett serves as Human Resources Administrator for the County, Chair of the joint Pension Committee, and Executive Secretary to the Personnel Board.

Personal statement

As the Human Resources Administrator for Howard County, I feel proud to work to support an exceptional workforce. I believe the success of any organization depends on its people, and I am proud to be part of a team that values its employees and invests in their well-being. By providing our employees with the resources they need to succeed, we are not only helping them achieve their goals but also contributing to the overall success of the County.

I am also proud of the work we do in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity. By embracing diversity, we are able to tap into a wider range of perspectives and ideas, which ultimately leads to better decision-making and innovation.

About

Kelly was appointed Director of the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development in August 2016. Kelly began her employment with the Department in 2008.

Under Kelly’s leadership, the Department seeks to create and preserve affordable rental and homeownership units, create and maintain workforce housing units, and provide financial education opportunities to the community. As a federal entitlement jurisdiction, the Department manages $2M in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) program funding to assist low-income families with their housing needs. The County’s affordable housing programs, including the Moderate-Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program, the Settlement Down payment Loan Program (SDLP) and the Reinvest, Renovate, Restore program (RRR), assist low- and moderate-income families that want to rent, buy or renovate a home in the County. During the COVID pandemic (2019- 2022), the Department directed $32M in federal and state grant funds to housing partners to keep residents safely housed. Since 2020, the Department has funded more than 500 down payment loans to help first-time homebuyers purchase a home and created 200 new MIHU homeownership units.

Kelly currently serves as the Chair of the County’s Coalition to End Homelessness Board and as Vice Chair of the Local Children’s Board. She is a graduate of the 2019 Howard County Leadership Premier class and resides in Woodbine, Maryland.

About

Bob began his career with Howard County in 1989 with the Bureau of Inspections, Licenses, & Permits in the Department of Public Works as a staff engineer reviewing and inspecting fire protection and life safety systems. In 2000 he was promoted to the Division Chief of Plan Review in the now Department of Inspections, Licenses, & Permits (DILP). In September 2007 he was appointed by then County Executive Ken Ulman as the Director of DILP and was most recently reappointed by Calvin Ball in December 2018.

Throughout his career and especially as Director, Bob's focus has always been to assure our built environment is safe and healthy for all who live work and visit Howard County, delivered in a people-centered manner. DILP's motto is "A Quality Product, Fast, and Friendly".

Bob is active with the International Code Council (ICC), the governing body that develops the model building codes, serving as the Chairman of the Administrative Code Hearing Committee, and was Co-Chair of the ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 2022-23. He is also a member of the ICC Region VII Executive Committee, the Maryland Building Officials Association (MBOA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE).

In addition, Bob has been an active firefighter/emergency medical responder in various career and volunteer fire departments for over 40 years. He also serves as a Structures Specialist with the FEMA Urban Search & Rescue (USaR) Maryland Task Force 1 (MD TF1) out of Montgomery County, having responded with the team on many activations including to the Pentagon on 9/11 and to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Bob has an Associate of Arts Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Catonsville Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Maryland and Delaware. He is a graduate of the Academy for Excellence in Local Government and of Leadership Howard County Class of 2006.

However, Bob's greatest accomplishment and joy is his family. He and his wife Marcia have been married for 35 years and have five grown children, one granddaughter, and two sons-in-law.

About

Clarence Dickerson, III, also known as Trey, is an experienced transportation professional who joined Howard County Department of Public Works in 2023 as the Deputy Director. Trey has close to 20 years of transportation industry experience and has served in previous roles as Director of Traffic Engineering in the private sector. Prior to joining the private sector in 2021, Trey served just over 15 years in a number of leadership roles at the District Department of Transportation in Washington D.C., with his last role serving as Deputy Associate Director of Traffic Engineering and Safety Division. While there he has managed and led several large scale projects and programs in the area of project development, environment, preliminary design and engineering, constructability review, right of way, utility coordination, and project planning for multi-modal major projects.

Trey is a licensed professional engineer with a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

About

Maria Bernadzikowski most recently served as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, where she developed and oversaw the coordination of all policies and procedures for County Administration, as well as issues and initiatives related to the environment and climate, emergency management and fleet.

Before serving as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for the County's Department of County Administration, Maria served as Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), working in various positions since joining the County as a Recovery Specialist following the 2016 Ellicott City flood. During her tenure, she managed OEM’s planning, continuity, and outreach programs and has deployed with the Maryland Incident Management Team to assist various states and jurisdictions in response to hurricanes, flooding, landslides, pre-planned events, and line of duty deaths. In Howard County, she has served as the Planning Section Chief and Emergency Operations Center Manager during multiple events including, but not limited to, the 2018 Ellicott City Flood and COVID-19 Pandemic Response, for which she was recognized as Howard County’s 2020 Employee of the Year.

Maria joined Administration with more than 10 years of experience as an emergency manager and community liaison across the country and has a background in strategic planning, policy development, multi-agency coordination, and employee training and development.

Maria is a graduate of St. John’s University (BA, Government and Politics) and Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, where she earned a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Disaster Management. She is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP), Climate Change Professional (CC-P), member of the Order of the Sword and Shield National Honor Society, and a Nationally Qualified Planning Section Chief on the Maryland Incident Management Team.

About

Rafiu O. Ighile is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Maryland with an MBA and more than 30 years of accounting experience in government, not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. Mr. Ighile is the Director of Finance for Howard County Government Maryland. Prior to that he was the Director of Finance and Administration for the City of Gaithersburg, where here oversaw the Finance, Budget and Procurement functions. Before joining the City of Gaithersburg, Rafiu worked for Howard Public School System (HCPSS) as their Chief Financial Officer. While working as CFO for the Howard County Public School System, managed Finance, Budget, Benefits, and Technology functions. He previously served as the Deputy Director of Finance for Howard County Government where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department. Rafiu served on the Executive Board of Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and a current member of the Maryland GFOA Board of Directors. He is also a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Maryland Association of CPAs. Rafiu and his spouse Eki have six daughters.

About

Gary W. Kuc became County Solicitor for Howard County Government in July 2015. Mr. Kuc joined the County in May 2009 from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, where he served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Division, handling complex civil matters for the State of Maryland. He previously practiced complex civil litigation with private firms in the Baltimore area for a decade. Mr. Kuc has almost 30 years of experience practicing law in Maryland, with two-thirds of his experience in the public sector. He serves as Vice President of the Attorneys Affiliate of the Maryland Association of Counties. Mr. Kuc has a Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

About

Dr. Maura Rossman is the Health Officer for the Howard County Health Department. She has 35 years’ experience in the medical profession, and 25 years+ experience in Public Health. She was appointed Health Officer in 2012 and has worked for the Howard County Health Department since 2007, serving as Medical Director and Deputy Health Officer of Clinical Services.

Dr. Rossman is a versatile and strategic public health professional possessing exceptional leadership and management skills. She has designed and implemented innovative and sustainable population health-based program initiatives with an emphasis on data driven, outcome oriented, evidenced based practices. She and her team are customer focused to ensure health equity and optimal wellness are achievable for all who live, work, play and pray in Howard County.

Prior to joining Howard County Health Department, she served as the Medical Director of School Health for 10 years in the Baltimore City Health Department. The first ten years of her medical career were spent in academic pediatrics and as a neurodevelopmental specialist. She and her family are happy to call Ellicott City home since 1993.

About

Yolanda F. Sonnier is the Administrator of the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE). Yolanda is passionate about making effective and lasting change in the community.

The Office of Human Rights & Equity is at the forefront of issues pertaining to human rights, social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for Howard County. Yolanda’s leadership of OHRE includes overseeing the investigations of discrimination complaints in Howard County, the administration and compliance of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission contract, community engagement, trainings, programming, development of equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and the racial equity strategic plan for the county. In addition, Yolanda’s leadership extends to the effective administration and engagement of the five commissions which fall under the Office of Human Rights & Equity.

Under Yolanda’s leadership, OHRE has received numerous national awards for the office’s commitment to furthering civil and human rights, addressing inequities and disparities and it’s robust, engaging and effective community engagement.

Before joining Howard County Government, Yolanda previously practiced law for 21 years and also served as a consultant, trainer and advisor on diversity, equity, inclusion, retention, organizational change and human and civil rights matters.

Yolanda is a graduate of Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Yolanda has received several accolades for her professional and community involvement.

About

Dr. Holly Sun was named Budget Administrator of Howard County Government in January 2015. Dr. Sun joined the County from Prince Georges County, where she served as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, overseeing a budget of more than $3 billion. She previously served as Budget Manager of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

Dr. Sun has over two decades’ experience managing revenues, operating budget, capital budget, and performance measures for local governments. She previously served at two standing committees of Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and Board of Directors of Maryland GFOA. She has a PhD in Public Policy and Public Administration from George Washington University and a Master's in Public Policy from Duke University.

About

Jennifer Jones has over 20 years of business and leadership experience in the private and public sectors.

As Chief Executive Officer of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, Jennifer is responsible for being a catalyst for economic growth, supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and working with stakeholders to set the vision and direction for Howard County that positions it as a regional, national, and international business location.

In her years in the public sector, she has been an integral part of the Howard County business ecosystem, directly assisting and helping thousands of Howard County businesses who have grown to know and trust her. As a former Deputy Chief of Staff in Howard County Government, she worked collaboratively with the Howard County Economic Development Authority, the Chamber, and others, to devise millions of dollars in grant programs that ultimately helped thousands of businesses survive and thrive through the pandemic.

She also led in accelerating opportunities through the pandemic. Leveraging federal funds, she quickly produced a strategy and executed new public and private partnerships so that Howard County was the first in the state to stand up county testing sites and mobile vaccination.

Previously, Jennifer served as Vice President, Business Development at Live Nation, where she was responsible for business analysis and market expansion. She also worked with various other Fortune 500 companies, notably Sony and Universal Studios on international business development, and as a Manager at Ernst and Young, LLP, assisting middle market companies with their corporate finance needs.

A Howard County native and graduate of Wilde Lake High School, she holds a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law, a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.

About

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball named Louis Winston Chief of the Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) on September 7, 2021. Chief Winston joined the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services on February 12, 1990, and served under seven fire chiefs and six county executives. He served three decades in the Department, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief prior to his retirement in January 2020.

As a servant leader, Chief Winston recognizes the importance of the growth and well-being of people and communities. He leads the Department with open, honest, and transparent collaborative leadership that embraces the diversity and inclusion of Howard County to help maintain safe and engaged communities. Understanding the importance of both external and internal customer services, Chief Winston continues to focus the Department on providing high quality diverse services that promote life safety and the well-being of its members.

A graduate of Loyola Blakefield, Winston holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Homeland Security from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). He is also a graduate of Leadership Howard County’s Premier Class of 2015 and the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute 2015.

A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Winston is a past recipient of the Howard County Government’s Mentorship Award, Baltimore County Recreation and Parks’ Shining Star Award and Turner Station Community Service Award.

About

Yosef Kebede is the Director of Public Works for Howard County, MD. In this role, he oversees a team of over 500 dedicated public servants along with an annual operating budget of $270M and an annual capital budget of $200M. Within his purview as DPW Director are the numerous essential services being provided for the 330,000 residents of Howard County. These services include drinking water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, curbside trash/recycling/food scrap collection, facility operation and maintenance, road and sidewalk maintenance, traffic signal operation and maintenance, stormwater BMP maintenance, and the planning, design, and construction of all infrastructure needed for quality of life. Yosef has a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering and Science, both from Stanford University. He also has an MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina. Yosef’s main focus is achieving consistent and repeatable organizational success that translates to real positive impact on staff and customers.

About

Margaret M. Chippendale began employment with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on September 9, 1970, as a stenographer with the Division of Parole and Probation. In 1978 she transferred to the Maryland Parole Commission as Assistant to the Parole Commission Chairman.

In 1990 Ms. Chippendale received her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Towson University. Upon graduation she accepted a position with the Inmate Grievance Commission as Associate Director.

In 1992 she transferred to the Division of Correction. Between 1992 and 2002 she held positions as Hearing Officer, Case Management Specialist and Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner.

In 2002 Ms. Chippendale was assigned to the Baltimore City Correctional Center as Acting Facility Administrator. Later that year she was promoted to Facility Administrator at the Baltimore Pre-release Unit for Women. In 2004 she was transferred to the Jessup Pre-release Unit.

On September 1, 2005, Ms. Chippendale retired from State Service after 35 years of service. She began employment with the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland as Manager of Child Advocacy where she managed Girl Scouts Beyond Bars at the MD Correctional Institution for Women, Baltimore Pre-release Unit for Women, Waxter Center for Girls and Sheppard Pratt Hospital. She also facilitated anti-violence programs in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County schools.

In August 2008 Ms. Chippendale was persuaded to come out of retirement and returned to DPSCS. She subsequently was promoted to Assistant Warden at the Maryland Correctional Pre-release System and later Warden at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women and then Warden at the pre-release system.

In February 2022 Ms. Chippendale accepted a position with the Howard County government. She is the current Director of Howard County Corrections.

Ms. Chippendale has had extensive leadership and correctional training within the State of Maryland and at the National Institute of Corrections. She is a four- time recipient of the Commissioner’s Citation for Excellence. In 2019 she was named by WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE as one of the most powerful women in the Baltimore-DC metropolitan area for her work with female offenders. In 2020 she was nominated Warden of the Year by the National Association of Wardens and Superintendents.

About

A resident of Columbia, Maryland, Tim serves Administrator of the Office of Community Sustainability. Prior to joining the County in June 2023, he worked for nearly 30 years as a career diplomat, including nearly a decade with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Change, where he was part of the team that concluded the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015. From 1994 to 2012, he focused on environmental and sustainable development issues in a variety of overseas postings and multiple assignments in the State Department’s Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science. Prior to entering federal service, Tim worked as an environmental planner and project manager in Southern California for ten years, where he managed environmental impact assessments with private sector planning and engineering firms and with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Tim holds a B.A. in Economics and an M.S. in Environmental Studies, both from California State University, Fullerton.

About

Nicholas is a seasoned professional with 27 years of experience in parks and recreation. Nicholas earned a bachelor's degree in general studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a two-year Certificate of Proficiency in Golf Course Management from the University of Maryland, Institute of Applied Agriculture.

Nicholas held various roles over is 20-year tenure with the Columbia association including the Director of Golf Maintenance and the Director of Open Space. As Director of Open Space, Nicholas managed the maintenance and operations of vast natural areas, extensive pathways, tot lots, and sports facilities while organizing community events.

Nicholas is known for his collaborative and results-oriented leadership style. He values teamwork, innovation, and community engagement in achieving organizational goals.

As Director of Recreation and Parks for Howard County, Nicholas oversees the strategic direction of the department, focusing on enhancing recreational opportunities and environmental preservation for the community.

Nicholas is committed to furthering Howard County's access to recreational opportunities and ensuring the preservation of natural environments. His vision includes sustainable growth and the continuous improvement of recreational offerings.

About

TJ Mayotte brings more than 20 years’ experience across the government, defense and financial services industries to his role as DTCS Director and CIO. Before Joining Howard County, TJ served the Director of Security Governance, Risk and Compliance for HealthEquity, a financial services company committed to improving access to healthcare. Prior to this role, he was DTCS’s Deputy CIO, where he aided in the development of the County’s IT strategy, led a series of program improvement initiatives and started Transform Howard, the County’s program to bridge the digital divide. TJ’s experience spans a wide range of technology-focused roles, including developing the cyber resilience program for a Fortune 200 financial services company, leading a cyber damage assessment program for the Department of the Army and serving as a project manager for various technology initiatives. He began his career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy and is a veteran of the Iraq War. TJ earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and his master’s in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego. He lives in Elkridge with his wife and two sons and can be found mountain biking in Patapsco State Park or coaching baseball in Rockburn Park.

About

Dean Hof is the Procurement Administrator with over two decades of successful procurement experience in both the private and public sectors. He possesses a Bachelors of Science from the University of Maryland College Park in Agricultural and Resource Economics. Dean also possesses two professional certifications in his field including Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP). His mission is to promote responsible stewardship of County resources and encourage participation from local and diverse businesses in all procurements.

Dean and his wife are lifelong Howard County residents who along with their two kids, all attended Howard County public schools. He enjoys running and cycling in his spare time as well as exploring our local restaurants.

About

Donna Richardson is Howard County’s Cable Administrator. Her role provides oversight on cable and broadband related issues such as cable franchise agreements and their performance, service to residents, advises on telecommunication policies that may impact Howard County, and manages the Public Education Government Grant funds for Howard County’s Public Education and Government Access Channels.

In her prior career, Donna spent 25 years in the Cable Industry working in Local Origination Programming, as On-air Talent, Training and Government Affairs.

Community Service is an important aspect of Donna’s life. She is a member and former Board member of the National Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, has served as Chair of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, President of the Howard County Police Foundation, member of Celebration of the Arts committee, is a graduate of Leadership Howard County and honored to be recognized by the Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.

About

Robert Phillips is a lifelong resident of Maryland and has called three different Counties home in the last 40 years, Montgomery, Howard, and Anne Arundel. Robert currently resides in Anne Arundel County with his wife Jamie Phillips, Mother-in-law Kate Wagner, and Mother Jane Phillips. Robert and Jamie also share five adult children.

Robert has been in the Automotive industry for 44 years. He is currently the Central Fleet Administrator for Howard County Government. As Administrator, Robert is responsible for the management of Howard County’s fleet, which includes vehicle and equipment acquisition, vehicle and equipment repair, County wide fueling, vehicle disposal, and environmental impact reduction. Robert accomplishes the aforementioned tasks utilizing a staff of 50 fleet employees spread amongst 5 shops.

Robert joined Howard County in 2017 and immediately began working on “greening” Howard County’s fleet.

In the last 4 years, over two hundred and twenty hybrid vehicles have been added to the County’s fleet. In addition, Robert instituted a new county fuel system along with upgraded fuel site equipment to better control the use of petroleum products.
Before joining Howard County, Robert worked for Anne Arundel County for thirteen years. He started his career in Anne Arundel County as the Police Fleet Coordinator, which lasted for almost three years.

He was then promoted to County Fleet Administrator and stayed in that capacity for 10 years; leaving in 2017 to take the Howard County position.

Robert holds an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management from Anne Arundel Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Maryland University College.

Executive Ball's Resource Guides

Housing Assistance

Bridges to Housing Stability. 9520 Berger Road, Suite 311, Columbia, MD 21046. 410-312-5760.
Provides a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County.
Visit http://bridges2hs.org/ for more information.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 301-490-3660 or 410-715-0875.
Offers Rent Assistance.

Community Action Council. 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, MD, 410-313-6440.

• First Month’s Rent – assists with paying the first month’s rent, in advance, when moving into a new home. Eligibility is based upon income and you must be able to demonstrate the ability to continue to pay rent after assistance is provided.
• One Month’s Rent – a private community organization which partners with CAC to assist with paying past due rent. Eligibility based upon income and evidence of crisis. Must be currently employed and able to demonstrate the ability to continue to make rent payments after assistance has been provided.
• Eviction Prevention – assists with paying past due rent. Offers one tine financial grant. Eligibility is based upon income and evidence of crisis such as a judgment of restitution. You must be able to demonstrate the ability to continue to pay rent after assistance is provided.

Visit https://www.cac-hc.org/ for more information.

Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC). 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD.
1-800-332-6347.
Provides emergency cash assistance to families who need emergency help paying rent, utilities, or other emergency bills. This is offered to families with children under 21 living with them.

Gabriel Network. 2137 Defense Hwy, Crofton, MD 21114. 1-800-264-3565.
Provides Maternity Housing, shelter & referrals for women and families facing crisis pregnancies.
Visit http://gabrielnetwork.org/get-help/our-ministries for more information.

Grassroots Crisis Intervention. 6700 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD. 410-531-6006.

• Family Shelter Program – Grassroots operates the only general emergency shelter in Howard County at 6700 Freetown Road in Columbia, MD. The program has 33 beds for families and single adult women experiencing a shelter crisis. All clients are accepted into the emergency shelter program on a provisional basis for a period of no more than three months. Each resident is assigned a case manager who works with them to develop a case plan designed to address their particular needs and challenges. Prior to the end of their 3-month stay, residents may apply for a 3-month extension, for a maximum stay of six months. An additional extension is granted only under extenuating circumstances such as medical necessity. Extensions of stay dependent on the resident’s progress achieving the goals in their housing plan (such as getting a job, saving money, attending addictions treatment, applying for benefits for which they may be eligible, meeting regularly with their case manager, etc.), their ability to function cooperatively in the group living setting, and their adherence to basic shelter guidelines.
• Motel Shelter – As a back-up to Emergency Shelter, Grassroots has a capacity to house up to three families for up to fifteen days in motel when the shelter is full and there are no immediate alternatives. Staff work intensively with these families to help them find more permanent arrangements including other shelter, their own apartment, or relocating to be with family members or friends.
• Randy Sands Men’s Shelter- Can serve up to 18 single adult men. The program serves about 55 – 75 men per year. Each resident has a primary counselor or case manager and an individualized housing plan which could include employment, a savings plan, addictions treatment, psychiatric treatment, training or GED, and debt management. All of the support services available to families are also provided to our male residents. The structure of the residents’ length of stay applies to the men’s shelter as well.
• Cold Weather Shelter- Provides overflow shelter from November through March. Congregations host the shelter for one or two weeks and provide volunteers for transportation, meals, laundry and to work shifts in the shelter.
• Day Resource Center – open 3 days a week and located at 10390 Guilford Road, Suite A (first floor), in Jessup. Provides meals, showers, limited laundry, fellowship and other social services to homeless individuals in the HC Route 1 corridor.

For more information about Grassroots Crisis Intervention and the services provided visit http://grassrootscrisis.org/ or www.daycenter.org.

Heritage Housing Partners Corporation, 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia, MD. (443) 518-7685.
Owns and manages affordable housing for the disabled, senior citizens and families at risk of homelessness.

HopeWorks, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 300, Columbia, MD. 24 hour Sexual, Dating and Domestic Violence Helpline is 410-997-2272.
Provides support and advocacy to survivors of sexual, dating and domestic violence, and aim to be the catalyst in the community to change the cultural norms that allow sexual and domestic violence to happen.

• Safe Shelter and Transitional Housing – 45-day crisis shelter for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence and their children. Transitional housing for up to six months; individual case management; Services to adult and child victims of domestic violence, emergency shelter.

Howard County Housing & Community Development, Administrative Office: 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224 Columbia, MD. 410-313-6318.
Housing & Community Development - Service Office (Landlords and rental residents excluding MIHU.
For more information, visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Housing-and-Community-Development.

Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU), 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6318.
Are you looking for high-quality, yet affordable, housing options in Howard County? Howard County Housing offers new, quality homes and apartments through its Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) Program. *This program is open quarterly.
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Housing/Home-Ownership-Opportunities/Moderate-Incoming-Housing-Unit-Program-MIHU.

Salvation Army, 3267 Pine Orchard Ln, Ellicott City, MD. 410-465-1060 or 443-656-3376.
Provides First Month’s Rent and Eviction Prevention.
Call for more details. https://salvationarmycm.org/.

United Way of Central Maryland, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 340, Baltimore, MD. Ph: 410-547-8000.
Housing is provided by property management firms through the United Way/Maryland Multi-Housing Association Rental Connections partnership, which assists families in urgent need of affordable housing through easements such as reduced rent and waived background checks or security deposits. Visit https://www.uwcm.org/main/ for more information.

Volunteers of America Chesapeake, Inc., 7901 Annapolis Road, Lanham, MD. 240-764-2631.
Provides safe, affordable homes to formerly homeless and low-income families.
Visit https://www.voachesapeake.org/housing for more information.

Food Assistance

FISH of Howard County, Inc. P. O. Box 34, Ellicott City, MD. 410-964-8660.
Provides food, financial assistance, referral information and other aid to Howard County residents with legitimate emergency needs.

Food Supplement Program (FSP) 1-800-997-2222.
Helps low-income households buy food they need to maintain good health. Benefits are distributed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer System and used just like cash to buy food. To find out how to apply, visit http://dhr.maryland.gov/food-supplement-program/ (Funded by the Department of Human Resources).

Salvation Army, 3267 Pine Orchard Lane. Ellicott City, MD. 410-465-1060 or 443-656-3376.
Provides food. Visit https://salvationarmycm.org/ for more information.

Maryland Food Pantries:

Adventist Community Services, North America, 9705 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD. 443-391-7254.
Services Provided: Food Pantry services. Visit http://www.communityservices.org/ for more information.

Bridgeway Community Cupboard, 9189 Red Branch Road Columbia, MD. 410-992-5832.
Hours of operation: 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 10am - 12 noon and 30 to 40 minutes following each service.
Visit https://www.bridgeway.cc/support/community-cupboard for more information.

Bryant Woods Elementary School, 5450 Blue Heron Lane, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6859.
Hours of operation: Tuesday and Friday 9:30am-2:30pm.
Visit http://bwes.hcpss.org/ for more information.

Celebration Church (formerly Long Reach Church of God), 6080 Foreland Garth Columbia, MD. 410-997-2088.
Hours of operation: Fridays 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Visit http://wininlife.com/ for more information.

Community Action Council (CAC), 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6440.
Food Bank Donation Center located at 9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6185.

Distribution Hours:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 1pm-4pm
Wednesdays 5pm-8pm (https://www.cac-hc.org/wp-content/uploads/Pantry-and-Partners-2019.pdf. See website to find eligibility requirements and fill out food assistance form. Dasher Green Head Start Center, 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD. 410- 313-6210.
Hours of operation: Thursday 4-5pm. Elkridge Food Pantry, 5646 Furnace Avenue Elkridge, MD. 443-535-1482.
Open on the 2nd and 4th Fridays monthly. Hours of operation: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Visit http://elkridgefoodpantry.org/ for more information. Ellicott City Head Start Center, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD.
Hours of operation: Wednesday 4-5pm. Eva Johnson Foundation Food Pantry, 3588 Mount Ida Drive Ellicott City, MD. 410-313-2670.
Hours of operation: 10am – 1pm and 4-7pm every third Tuesday and Thursday of the month.
For more information, visit http://pdfs.glenmarumc.org/EJFflyer.pdf. Foreign-born Information and Referral Network, Inc. (FIRN), 5999 Harpers Farms Road, Suite E-200, Columbia, MD. 410-992-1923 ext. 11.
Hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pm (by appointment).
Visit https://www.firnonline.org/ for more information. First Baptist Church of Savage, Corner of Washington & Woodward Streets Savage, MD. 301-725-3944.
Hours of Operation: Thursday 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Visit http://www.fbcsavage.org/BreadofLifeFoodPantry for more information. Glenelg United Methodist Church, 13900 Burntwoods Road, Glenelg, MD, 410-489-7260.
Hours of operation: 3rd Saturday 9-11am.
Visit http://glenelgumc.org/ for more information. Howard County Food Bank, 9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J, Columbia, MD, 410-313-6185.
Hours of operation: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1-4pm, Wednesday 5-8pm, Saturday 9am-12pm (appointment only). Howard County Office of Community Partnerships Multiservice Center, Patuxent Square. 9900 Washington Blvd. (Route 1), Suite I, Laurel, MD. 410-313-0220.
Hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm, Wednesday: 10:00am – 6:00pm.
Visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Community-Resources-and-Services/Office-of-Community-Partnerships/MultiService-Center for more information. Longfellow Elementary School, 5470 Hesperus Drive, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6879.
Hours of operation: Tuesday 9am-2:30pm.
Visit http://loes.hcpss.org/ for more information. Mt. Pisgah AME Church, 5901 Cedar Fern Ct, Columbia, MD. 301-596-0936.
Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday 6-8pm.
Visit http://mtpisgahame.org/ for more information. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 12430 Scaggsville Road, Highland, MD. 301-854-2324.
Hours of operation: 3rd Saturday 9-11am.
Visit http://www.mtzionhighland.com/ for more information. New Hope Lutheran Church, 8575 Guilford Road, Columbia, MD. 410- 381-4673.
Visit https://www.newhopelutheran.org/ for more information. Old Cedar Lane Head Start Center, 5451 Beaverkill Road, Columbia, MD. 410- 313-7246.
Hours of operation: Tuesday 3-4pm. Oakland Mills High School, 9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia, MD. 410- 313-6945.
Hours of operation: 1st Thursday 3-5pm.
Visit https://omhs.hcpss.org/ for more information. Rachell L. Gray Community Foundation, Elkridge Christian Community Church, 6327 Meadowridge Road, Elkridge, MD. 443-796-5162.
Hours of operation: 4th Saturday 10am-12pm.
Visit https://www.rlgcommunityfoundationhelp.org/ for more information. S.A.F.E. (Supplying Allergy Friendly and Emergency) – Food Pantry, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 316, Columbia, MD. 443-741-1060.
Call for hours.
Visit http://www.safefoodpantry.org/ for more information. Solomons Porch Worship Center, 10545 Guilford Road, Suite 104, Jessup, MD. 240-360-0278.
Hours of operation: Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm, after 6pm (appointment needed 7-9pm), Sunday 12:30-2pm.
Visit https://www.theporchmd.org/ for more information. St. Johns Baptist Church/Harper House, 5495 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD. 301-596-5571.
Open on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Funded by the Community Action Council).
For a list of food pantries, visit https://www.cac-hc.org/wp-content/uploads/Pantry-and-Partners-2019.pdf​ for more information. St. Vincent de Paul (Church of the Resurrection), 3175 Paulskirk Drive, Ellicott City, MD. 410-461-9112.
Emergency food packages as well as food store certificates.
Visit http://www.res-ec.org/SocialJustice/StVincentdePaul.aspx for more information. United Way of Central Maryland, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 340, Baltimore, MD. Ph: 410-547-8000.
To improve access and affordability of food sources, we support after-school meal programs, virtual supermarkets, access to public benefits and so much more.
Visit https://www.uwcm.org/main/ for more information.

Financial Assistance

CCCMD. 6315 Hillside Court, Suite B, Columbia, MD. 1-800-642-2227.
Provides debt, credit counseling, credit report review, pre-purchase homeownership, reverse mortgage counseling and student loan debt counseling.
https://www.cccsmd.org/ Coalition for Compassion, 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, MD. 410-997-2781.
Open Mondays and Wednesdays. Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Celebration Church, 6080 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD. 410-997-2088. Open Monday – Friday.
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Department of Social Services - Temporary Cash Assistance,
Provides cash assistance to families in need with dependent children when available resources do not fully address the family’s needs and while preparing program participants for independence through work. Some families which need only short-term assistance receive a welfare avoidance grant equivalent to three months of TCA benefits. This grant is a one-time lump sum payment.
For information on how to apply, visit http://dhr.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/temporary-cash-assistance/. Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC), 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD. 1-800-332-6347.
Provides emergency cash assistance to families who need emergency help paying rent, utilities, or other emergency bills.
For information and instructions on how to apply visit http://dhr.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/emergency-assistance/. FISH of Howard County, Inc., P. O. Box 34, Ellicott City, MD. 410-964-8660. Provides food, financial assistance, referral information and other aid to Howard County residents with legitimate emergency needs. Jewish Federation of Howard County, 10630 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 400, Columbia, MD. 410-730-4976.
Provides information and referral to social services and organizes support groups; assesses and provides emergency financial assistance to Jewish residents of Howard County on a case-by-case basis.
Visit https://www.jewishhowardcounty.org/ for more information. Just Living Advocacy, 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr. Ste. 319, Columbia, MD. 410-972-8377 (by appointment), Multiservice Center, 9900 Washington Blvd, Laurel, MD. 410-313-0220 (Tuesday only, by appointment.
Assists and advocates to ensure that income sustaining opportunities does not fall through. In partnership with licensed child/daycare providers, scholarships and/or waivers may be provided to bridge an applicant to work, from the unemployed-to-employed ranks. Provides State Childcare Subsidy Application Assistance.
Visit https://www.justlivingadvocacy.org/ for more information. St. Vincent de Paul (Church of the Resurrection), 3175 Paulskirk Drive, Ellicott City, MD. 410-461-9112.
Provides emergency food packages as well as food store certificates. Visit http://www.res-ec.org/SocialJustice/StVincentdePaul.aspx for more information.

Clothing Assistance

The Salvation Army, Howard County, 3267 Pine Orchard Lane. Ellicott City, MD. 410-465-1060 or 443-656-3376.
Provides family counseling and casework services, emergency financial assistance, food and nutrition programs and seasonal services.
Visit https://www.salvationarmy.org/ for more information. Success in Style, Savage Mill, 8600, Foundry Street, Savage, MD. 301-498-5035.
Provides business wardrobes and coaching at no cost to disadvantaged men and women seeking employment. A referral is needed. Multiservice Center, 9900 Washington Blvd. Laurel, MD Services offered on Tuesdays, 12:30pm -2:00pm and Wednesdays, 11am – 4pm.
Visit http://www.successinstyle.org/ for more information.

Employment Assistance

Howard County Office of Workforce Development, 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite D, Columbia, MD. 410-290-2620.
Provides recruitment, employment and training services for businesses and job seeker.
Visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/County-Administration/Workforce-Development for more information. Just Living Advocacy, 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr. Ste. 319, Columbia, MD. 410-972-8377 (by Appointment,) Multiservice Center, 9900 Washington Blvd, Laurel, MD. 410-313-0220 (Tuesday only, by appointment).
Provides employment opportunity referrals to clients seeking employment.
Visit https://www.justlivingadvocacy.org/ for more information. Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, 500 North Calvert Street #401, Baltimore, MD. 410-230-6001.
For those who are unemployed (separated from employment through no fault of their own), please contact the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to determine eligibility for services. Call their office Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 2p.m.
Visit http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uibenefits.shtml for more information. Maryland's American Job Centers (Columbia Workforce Center), 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD.410-290-2600.
Provide a variety of employment and support resources to assist job seekers in achieving their employment goals. Meet with consultants to discuss career exploration, referrals to training programs, résumé preparation, and workshops to enhance job seeking skills and work readiness. Access computers with Internet access, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, telephones, and a variety of job search resource materials.
Visit http://dllr.state.md.us/county/howard/ for more information. Office of Workforce Development, 7161 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite D, Columbia, MD. 410-290-2620.
This agency is geared towards meeting the workforce and employment needs and provides a wide array of resources to job seekers. In addition, job seekers in Maryland can now search a database with thousands of jobs presently open and active jobs across Maryland.
For more information or to apply, visit https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/ or https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/County-Administration/Workforce-Development. Pinnacle Empowerment Center, 8180 Lark Brown Rd # 301, Elkridge, MD. 410-375-1928.
A nonprofit organization tailored to supporting women who find themselves looking for employment and that may need resources to help them succeed.
For more details visit http://pinnaclecareerresources.com/.

County Tax Credits

Tax Credit Name

Income Eligibility

Program Description and how to apply

Individuals with Disabilities

Accessible Resources for Independence. 1406-B Crain Highway South, Suite 206, Glen Burnie, MD.
(410)-636-2274.
Provides advocacy, peer mentors, benefits counseling, transition services, support broker services, veteran’s directed services, independent living assistive technology, portable ramp loan program, and nursing faculty outreach, as well as teaches independent living skills through pre-employment transition instruction and an assistive technology demonstration library. For more information, visit http://arinow.org/. Adaptive Living. 11089 Swansfield Road, Columbia, MD. 410-997-9499.
Provides affordable housing, food, transportation, and supervision for individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Visit https://adaptiveliving.net/ for more information. Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Maryland Chapter, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093.
410-561-9099.
Provides a residential program for working intellectually disabled adults. Visit www.alz.org/maryland for more information. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Assistance and Information. 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 300, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6431.
Provides information, referral, and assistance for housing, transportation, employment, and improved access to public facilities for people with disabilities.
For more information, visit http://www.howardcountymd.gov/ada. The Arc of Howard County. 11735 Homewood Road. Ellicott City, MD. 410-730-0638.
Services: Provides residential services, job placement and support, day services, and family support to individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities.
For more information, visit http://www.archoward.org. Athelas Institute. 9104 Red Branch Road, Columbia, MD. 410-964-1241.
Provides employment, meaningful days, transportation and a continuum of in-home and residential supports to adults with developmental disabilities based on their needs and preferences.
Visit http://www.athelasinstitute.org for more details. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), PO Box 646, Ellicott City, MD, 410-294-2701.
This organization believes in improving the lives of people affected by ADHD.
Visit https://www.chadd-mc.org/ for more information. Compass. 12400 Kiln Court, Suite A, Beltsville, MD. 301-625-2406 Ext. 1115.
Provides residential services, personal support services, customized employment and day services, and behavioral support to individuals with disabilities.
For more information, visit http://www.compassmaryland.org. Elmanda Maima Boakai Foundation, Inc., 5457 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 300-N30, Columbia MD. 410-740-7469.
Provides support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughsupportive outreach and education.
Visit https://elmanda-maima-boakai-foundation-inc.business.site/ for more information. Emerge, 9180 Rumsey Road, Suite D-2, Columbia MD. 443-288-8234.
Provides services to children and adults with disabilities, including residential, supported living, individual support services, day programs, supported employment, psychological and nursing case management. Can support individuals with multiple disabilities and behavioral challenges.
Visit https://emergeinc.org/ for more information. Every Life Works, 3210 Boones Lane, Ellicott City, MD. 443-820-7798.
Creating a group of sustainable microbusinesses to train and employ young adults with autism to generate wealth through ownership and working side by side with neurotypical adults.
Visit http://everylifeworks.com/ for more information. Howard County Autism Society, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 308, Columbia, MD. 410-290-3466.
Serves individuals on the autism spectrum, their families and their communities by providing information, support and advocacy and working to improve the quality of and access to services and educational opportunities.
Visit http://www.howard-autism.org/ for more information. Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD. 410- 313-6400.
Promotes full inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Community-Resources-and-Services for more information. Humanim, 6355 Woodside Court, Columbia, MD.410- 381-7171.
Provides rehabilitation, housing, day programs, workforce development, behavioral support, case management, and crisis intervention to those with developmental and psychiatric disabilities, deaf individuals, and individuals with barriers to employment.
Visit https://humanim.org/ for more information. Linwood Center, 3421 Martha Bush Drive, Ellicott City, MD. 410- 465-1352.
Offer 12-month educational and vocational services to people with autism and other disorders, residential services for ages 5-21, operate a community-based vocational and residential program for adults with autism and some of our adults are employed in donated goods store. Visit http://www.linwoodcenter.org/ for more information. Maryland Coalition of Families, 10632 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 234, MD. 410- 730-8267.
Helps families who care for someone with behavioral health needs. Using personal experience as parents, caregivers, youth and other loved ones, connect, support and empower Maryland’s families.
Visit http://www.mdcoalition.org/ for more information. Service Coordination, 5283 Corporate Drive, Suite 103, Frederick, MD. 301-663-8044.
Provides adults and children with quality case management services by helping people understand what their choices are and connecting them to resources in their communities in ways that respect their dignity and rights. Visit http://www.servicecoord.org/ for more information. Volunteers of America Chesapeake, Inc., 7901 Annapolis Road, Lanham, MD. 240-764-2631.
Supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in person-centered program.
Visit https://www.voachesapeake.org/developmental-disabilities for more information. Winter Growth. 5460 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD. 410-964-9616.
Provides adult medical daycare and assisted living for senior and disabled adults from two centers located in the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area.
For more information, visit http://www.wintergrowthinc.org.

Healthcare Assistance

Columbia Health Center, 8930 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, MD. 410-313-7500.
Services: Immunization services, family planning clinics (for teens and adults), AIDS/HIV counseling and testing, pregnancy testing and counseling, takes part in the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program, sexually transmitted disease investigations, operates a STD clinic, provides communicable disease investigation, and offers a supplemental food program for eligible pregnant and nursing woman infants and children. Columbia Pregnancy Center. 10632 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 254, Columbia, MD. 410-730-3223.
1-800-712-4357 (24/7).
Services: Pregnancy tests, Pre-natal vitamins and ultrasound, options information andcounseling, material aid, post abortion support, pre-natal and parenting classes.
Visit https://columbia-pregnancy.org/ for more information. Clarity Hearing Assistance Project (CHAP). 3290 North Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD. 410-698-6594.
Provides hearing test, fit and maintenance of hearing aids to low-income individuals in Howard County.
For more information visit www.clarityhearing.com. Department of Social Services, 7121 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD. 410-872-8700.
Provides assistance to low-income families with medical assistance.
For eligibility and medical assistance options visit http://dhr.maryland.gov/Local-Offices/Howard-County/. Gilchrist Services. 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 434, Columbia, MD. 888-823-8880.
Services: Medical care, pain and symptom management, hospice care, emotional and spiritual support, respite care, and bereavement support.
For more information, visit http://www.gilchristservices.org. HealthCare Access Maryland, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD. 410-313-4264.
20+ programs are dedicated to making sure that ALL Marylander's have equal access to health Care and services needed. Programs include Connector Entity, Population Health and Care Coordination services. http://www.healthcareaccessmaryland.org/. Healthy Howard – the Door to Health Care. 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD. 855-288-3667.
A unique program that helps identify the right healthcare for you and your family. We provide uninsured Howard County residents with the latest information about insurance and non-insurance options including Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP), Medical Assistance for Families, and PAC. Together we’ll determine the program(s) you’re eligible for, explain their benefits, and help you apply online. For more info, visit http://www.healthyhowardmd.org/. Howard County Health Department. 8930 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6300. 1-866-313-6300 (Toll free). 410-313-2929 (Emergency – 24/7).
Offers reproductive health services to the uninsured or underinsured women and teens.Payments for services based on a sliding fee scale. Child Health Program provides services tofamilies that meet specific eligibility criteria.
Programs offered by the Health Dept include: Infants and Toddlers Program, WIC, Child Advocacy Center, Case Management for children with elevated blood lead. In addition, outreach, information and referral services are offered. Hearing and vision screenings are offered to students in specific grades within HC public and private schools.
Visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Health for more information.
To contact Children’s Health Programs, call 410-313-7500 or toll free at 1-866-313-3600 or email askhealth@howardcountymd.gov . Humanim. 6355 Woodside Court, Columbia, MD. 410-381-7171 Ext. 2220.
Provides workforce development, residential, mental health, neuro-rehabilitation, and developmental disability services to children, adults and older adults. Visit http://www.humanim.org for more details. Just Living Advocacy, 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr. Ste. 319, Columbia, MD. 410-972-8377 (by appointment), Multiservice Center, 9900 Washington Blvd, Laurel, MD. 410-313-0220 (Tuesday only, by appointment.
Provide information for wellness check-ups and Heart Disease awareness and prevention, to combat this #1 killer among women. Visit https://www.justlivingadvocacy.org/ for more information. Local Behavioral Health Authority, 8930 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6202, 24/7 services 410-531-6677.
Services: Plans, develops, and monitors all publicly-funded mental health services in the county, provides education and training on mental health issues.
For more information, visit http://www.hcmha.org. Loyola Clinical Centers. 5911 York Road, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD. 410-617-1200.
Provides assessment and therapy services in Speech-Language Pathology and Pastoral Counseling to the Howard County community.
For more information, visit https://www.loyola.edu/department/clinical-centers Maryland Insurance Administration. 200 St. Paul Place Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD. 410-468-2000. 1-800-492-6116 (Toll free).
Provides information regarding health care laws and procedures in the State of Maryland.Provides links to health care assistance services.
Visit https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/HealthCoverage.aspx for moreinformation. Medicaid. 201 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD. 410-767-6500. 1-877-463-3464 (Toll free).
Prepared by Office of Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive, 410-313-2013
Provides for the payment of medical bills for certain, income-qualifying individuals. For more information regarding Medicaid, your eligibility or any other inquiries visit https://mmcp.health.maryland.gov/Pages/home.aspx. Office on Aging and Independence, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6410.
Serves older adults, their families, caregivers, adults with disabilities and agencies supporting these groups.
Visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Community-Resources-and-Services/Office-on-Aging-and-Independence for more details. Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP). 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD. 1-800-332-6347.
Helps low-income, disabled Marylanders while they are awaiting approval of federal disabilitysupport. The program is funded through the State of Maryland to provide help to individualswithout dependent children.
For more details, visit http://dhs.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/temporary-disability-assistance/​.
To apply for TDAP (subject to eligibility) visit http://dhs.maryland.gov/local-offices/howard-county/.

Utility Assistance

• Energy Assistance:
  Provides utility assistance to households in imminent danger of utility cut-off in partnership with the Office of Home Energy Programs, BGE, Howard County Support, Fuel Fund of Maryland, and others. Visit https://www.cac-hc.org/programs-services/energy-assistance/ for more information.
• Weatherization:
  Assists low to moderate income homeowners and renters permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Services are based on an energy audit and typically include installing insulation, reducing air infiltration, sealing and repairing ducts, and tuning and repairing heating and cooling units.

Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC). 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD. 1-800-332-6347.
Provides emergency cash assistance to families who need emergency help paying rent, utilities,or other emergency bills. For information and instructions on how to apply visit http://dhs.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/emergency-assistance/.

Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD. 410-313-6440 or 1-800-332-6347
Visit http://dhr.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/

• Arrearage Retirement Assistance:
  Helps customers with large, past due electric and gas bills. If eligible, customers may receive forgiveness of up to $2,000 towards their past due bill. Customers must have a past due bill of $300 or greater to be considered eligible. Customers may only receive an arrearage grant once every seven years, with certain exceptions.
• Electric Universal Services Program (EUSP) Grant:
  Provides financial assistance with electric bills. Eligible customers receive help that pays a portion of their current electric bills. Customers who receive EUSP are placed on a budget billing plan with their utility company.
• Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP):
  Provides financial assistance with home heating bills. Payments are made to the fuel supplier and utility company on the customer’s behalf.
• Utility Service Protection Program (USPP):
  Designed to protect low-income families from utility turn-offs during the heating season. All MEAP eligible customers may participate in USPP. Participation also requires a year-round even monthly budget billing. Failure to make consecutive payments may result in removal from USPP.
• Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Services:
  Customer information is referred to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for programs that can provide improvements and repairs to homes at no cost. These improvements can help lower utility bills and make the home more comfortable. DHCD’s energy efficiency and weatherization programs support the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act. For more information, call 1-855-583-8976 or visit dhcd.maryland.gov/Pages/EnergyEfficiency
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
  Operated by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Single Family Special Loan Programs (SLP) and helps low- and moderate-income households with the installation of energy conservation materials in their dwelling units. These measures both reduce the consumption of energy and make these homes more comfortable, safe and healthy. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, the State of Maryland and other resources. Residents must be income eligible (60% of statewide median) and able to prove ownership, sign a written agreement permitting the improvements to be done and not increase rent to income-qualified families for a specified period of time. Priority is given to residents who are elderly, disabled, have families with young children and have the highest energy burden.
  Sponsored by the Howard County Community Action Council. 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Box 226, Columbia, Maryland. 410-313-6440.
  Visit https://www.cac-hc.org/programs-services/energy-assistance/ for more information.

Salvation Army. 3267 Pine Orchard Ln, Ellicott City, MD, 410-465-1060 or 443-656-3376
Provides BGE assistance. Call for more details.
Visit https://salvationarmycm.org/ for more information.

Education Assistance

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 1-800-433-3243.
FAFSA forms and details about applying for Federal student aid can be found at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa.

Helping Hands Enrichment & Leadership Foundation, 10227 Wincopin Cir, Columbia, MD. 240-517-4065.
Provides supplemental learning program for elementary school students, including the whole child, academically at- risk, and to assist them in reaching, maintaining and exceeding grade level expectations.

Howard Community College Financial Aid Services. 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia,
MD.443-518-1260.
Visit https://www.howardcc.edu/admissions-aid/pay-for-college/financial-aid/ for more information.

Judy Center Partnership at Cradlerock. 6700 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD. 410-313-8224.
Promotes school readiness by providing information and referral for comprehensive early childhood services to children and parenting support to parents.
For more information, visit https://judycenter.hcpss.org/.

Maryland Educational Opportunity Center. 2305 N. Charles Street, Suite 101, Baltimore, MD. 410-728-3400 Ext. 27.
Services: Guidance to help select right college and program, help developing IndividualEducation plan, college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship information, help completingadmissions and financial aid applications, career information, workshops, practice tests,referrals, online tutoring.
Visit http://www.meoconline.com for more information.

Prepare for Success. 7230 Single Wheel Path, Columbia, MD. 443-535-1625.
Provides Howard County students from low income families with a backpack and school supplies.
For more information, visit http://www.prepareforsuccess.org.

Aging

Adventist Community Services, North America, 9705 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD. 443-391-7254.
Promotes Christ-centered, practical and sustainable solutions to successful holistic aging. It coordinates education and services related to aging, health, finance, and social issues for older adults in the church and community in collaboration with community-based elder care programs that nurture body, mind and spirit.
Visit
http://www.communityservices.org for more information.

Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Maryland Chapter, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093. 410-561-9099.
Provides a residential program for working intellectually disabled adults.
Visit www.alz.org/maryland for more information.

Coalition of Geriatric Services (COGS), 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 318, Columbia, MD. 410-997-0610.
Nonprofit organization of public agencies, private companies, and individuals who provideservices to older adults. COGS membership services include advocacy, provider networking andeducation.
Visit https://cogsmd.org/ for more information.

Gilchrist, 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 434, Columbia, MD, 443-849-8200.
Provides counseling and support, elder medical and hospice care to anyone with a serious illness. We give people the clear information and support they need to make informed choices about their care.
Visit https://www.gilchristcares.org/ for more information.

Howard County Office of Aging and Independence, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD. 410-313-6410.
Promotes the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, addresses the needs of an increasinglydiverse cultural community, and supports the desires of our citizens to remain independent asthey grow older.
Visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Community-Resources-and-Services/Office-on-Aging-and-Independence for more information.

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland (MOW), 515 South Haven Street, Baltimore, MD. 410-558-0827
Enables people to live independently at home through the provision of nutritious meals, personalcontact and related services.
Visit https://www.mealsonwheelsmd.org/ for more information.

Neighbor Ride, 5570 Sterrett Place, Suite 102, Columbia, MD. 410-884-7433.
Enabling ambulatory Howard County seniors (age 60+) to remain active and independent by utilizing volunteer drivers who provide reasonably priced or subsidized supplemental transportation using their personal vehicles.
Visit http://neighborride.org/wordpress/ for more information.

Rebuilding Together Howard County, 8775 Cloudleap Court, Suite 519, Columbia, MD. 410-381-3338.
Organization aims to revitalize communities and rebuild lives by providing free home repairs to low-income Howard County homeowners, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, veterans, and families with children.
Visit http://www.rebuildingtogetherhowardcounty.org/ for more information.

The Village in Howard, 6061 Stevens Forest Road, Columbia, MD. 443-367-9043.
Membership organization of Howard County residents age 55+ who pay an annual fee. Members reside in their own homes and are connected by enjoying services while volunteering their own skills to fellow members.
Visit https://www.thevillageinhoward.org/content.aspx?sl=1110725794 for more information.

Winter Growth. 5460 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD. 410-964-9616.
Provides adult medical daycare and assisted living for senior and disabled adults from two centers located in the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area.
For more information, visit http://www.wintergrowthinc.org.

Homelessness Support

Bridges to Housing Stability. 9520 Berger Road, Suite 311, Columbia, MD. 410-312-5760.
Works to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County.
Visit http://bridges2hs.org/ for more information.

Family & Children’s Services, 10451 Twin Rivers Road, Suite 100, Columbia, MD. 410-997-3557
Provides comprehensive sexual, physical and/ or emotional abuse counseling services to children, adolescents and their families and general counseling for other mental health and emotional disorders including medication management and homelessness prevention.
Visit https://www.fcsmd.org/ for more information.

Grassroots Crisis Intervention. 6700 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD. 410-531-6006.

• Family Shelter Program – Grassroots operates the only general emergency shelter in Howard County at 6700 Freetown Road in Columbia, MD. The program has 33 beds for families and single adult women experiencing a shelter crisis. All clients are accepted into the emergency shelter program on a provisional basis for a period of no more than three months. Each resident is assigned a case manager who works with them to develop a case plan designed to address their particular needs and challenges. Prior to the end of their 3-month stay, residents may apply for a 3-month extension, for a maximum stay of six months. An additional extension is granted onlyunder extenuating circumstances such as medical necessity. Extensions of stay dependent on theresident’s progress achieving the goals in their housing plan (such as getting a job, savingmoney, attending addictions treatment, applying for benefits for which they may be eligible,meeting regularly with their case manager, etc.), their ability to function cooperatively in thegroup living setting, and their adherence to basic shelter guidelines.
• Motel Shelter – As a back-up to Emergency Shelter, Grassroots has a capacity to house up tothree families for up to fifteen days in motel when the shelter is full and there are no immediatealternatives. Staff work intensively with these families to help them find more permanentarrangements including other shelter, their own apartment, or relocating to be with familymembers or friends.
• Randy Sands Men’s Shelter- Can serve up to 18 single adult men. The program serves about 55 –75 men per year. Each resident has a primary counselor or case manager and an individualizedhousing plan which could include employment, a savings plan, addictions treatment, psychiatrictreatment, training or GED, and debt management. All of the support services available tofamilies are also provided to our male residents. The structure of the residents’ length of stayapplies to the men’s shelter as well.
• Cold Weather Shelter- Provides overflow shelter from November through March. Congregationshost the shelter for one or two weeks and provide volunteers for transportation, meals, laundryand to work shifts in the shelter.
• Day Resource Center – open 3 days a week and located at 10390 Guilford Road, Suite A (first floor), in Jessup. Provides meals, showers, limited laundry, fellowship and other social services to homeless individuals in the HC Route 1 corridor.

For more information about Grassroots Crisis Intervention and the services provided visit http://grassrootscrisis.org/ or www.daycenter.org.

HopeWorks, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 300, Columbia, MD. 24 hour Sexual, Dating and Domestic Violence Helpline is 410-997-2272 or 1-800-752-0191 (24 hours).
Provides support and advocacy to survivors of sexual, dating and domestic violence, and aim to be the catalyst in the community to change the cultural norms that allow sexual and domestic violence to happen.

• Safe Shelter and Transitional Housing – 45-day crisis shelter for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence and their children. Transitional housing for up to six months; individual case management; Services to adult and child victims of domestic violence, emergency shelter.

United Way of Central Maryland, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 340, Baltimore, MD. Ph: 410-547-8000.
Provides funding to nonprofit agencies promoting family stability in the areas of education, employment, housing and health. Our 2-1-1 helpline is a free and confidential 24-hour information and referral service for health and human service needs.
Visit https://www.uwcm.org/main/ for more information.

Addiction and Substance Abuse

HC DrugFree, Wilde Lake Village Center, 5305 Village Center Drive, Suite 206, Columbia, MD. 443-325-0040.
Provides prevention, treatment, recovery, and health and wellness resources to help Howard County residents develop knowledge and skills to understand and address behavioral health disorders.
Visit http://www.hcdrugfree.org/ for more information.

Living in Recovery, 8775 Centre Park Drive, Suite 218, Columbia, MD. 443-741-1331.
Helps men and women break the cycle of addicton-rehab-relapse by combining affordable housing free of drugs and alcohol with peer support and a climate of personal accountability.
Visit http://lirhowardcounty.org/ for more information.

The Serenity Center, 9650 Basket Ring Road, Columbia, MD. 410-884-6088.
Provides a variety of self-help group meetings such as AA (daily meeting in Spanish), NA, AlAnon, Children of Alcoholics, Codependents Anonymous, Overeaters, Sex and Love Addicts, Debtors Anonymous, Nicotine Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous.
Visit https://theserenitycentercolumbia.org/ for more information.

Foreign-Born Assistance/Immigration

Chinese American Parent Association, PO Box 2164, Ellicott City, MD, 443-797-9588
Helps Chinese parents navigate the public school system. Encourage and support parents to get involved in public school activities and community events. Support parents to advocate for their children at school or school system.
Visit https://www.capa-hc.org/ for more information.

Conexiones PO Box 6997, Columbia, MD. 410-531-9470.
Advocates for changes in policies, practices and personnel of the Howard County Public School System, that improve the performance and educational outcomes for Hispanic/Latino students.
Visit http://conexioneshc.org/ for more information.

FIRN, Inc., 5999 Harpers Farm Road, Suite E-200, Columbia, MD. 410-992-1923, Ext. 11.
Provides services to immigrants as they bridge into the American culture. Services include immigration counseling, interpreters, consumer counseling, adult and student literacy, job counseling, citizenship classes, and crisis assistance. FIRN is an accredited immigration agency.
https://www.firnonline.org/

Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington, Inc., 8430 Glenmar Road, Ellicott City, MD. 410-441-3700.
Assists and empower Asian Americans and new immigrants to become well-adjusted and fully contributing members of their community through social services, education, advocacy, and development of resources.
Visit http://www.kcscgw.org/ for more information.

LGBTQIA+ Resources

Local to Howard County:

• Community Allies of Rainbow Youth (CARY)
  CARY members are allies of LGBTQ+ youth in the Howard County area, including family, friends, and anyone else looking to support them.
  • Visit https://www.cary-hoco.org/ for more.
  • Visit https://www.howardcountypride.org/ or call 240-841-1150 for more.
  • Visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE-lgbtqia or email LGBTQIA@howardcountymd.gov for more.
  • Visit https://www.pflaghoco.org/ for more, http://www.pflaghoco.org/support-groups/ for their list of support groups, or call 443-518-6998.

  Local Health Resources:

  • Chase Brexton Health Care
    As part of Chase Brexton Health Care—a leading provider of LGBTQ health care services—The Center for LGBTQ Health Equity can connect you and your loved ones to affirming, welcoming, and informed solutions to help you manage all of your health care needs.
    • Visit https://chasebrexton.org/services/center-lgbtq-health-equity/health-care-services for more.
    • Visit https://hopeworksofhc.org/ for more.
    • Both onsite and telehealth services available, and always accepting new patients. Call 410-313-7500 or visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/sexual-reproductive-health-services for more.
    • Visit https://www.mdcenterforgenderandintimacy.com/ for more.
    • Visit https://namihowardcounty.org/your-journey/identity-and-cultural-dimensions/glbtqi/ for more.
    • Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 or text "NAMI" to 741741.

    Across Maryland:

    • FreeState Justice FreeState Justice is the only statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization in the country that combines direct legal services and policy advocacy to serve the needs of LGBTQ communities.
      • Visit https://freestate-justice.org/ or call 410-625-5428 for more.
      • Visit https://www.pridecentermd.org/ or 2418 St. Paul St, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218 for more.
      • Visit https://transmaryland.org/ for more.

      Across the Country:

      • Trans Lifeline
        Trans Lifeline is the nation’s only crisis and peer-support hotline, staffed by trans people, for trans people. And unlike other hotlines at our scale, we don’t engage in nonconsensual intervention– our callers will never have emergency services called on them without their consent.
        • Visit https://translifeline.org/ for more.
        • Visit https://lambdalegal.org/ for more.

        Black and African American Resources:

        • Black Transman, Inc.
          Black Transmen, Inc. provides positive and affirming support to enrich the lives of transmen thru EmpowerHIM. The EmpowerHIM program offers self empowerment through mentoring, access to resources, and financial assistance to support his healthy transition and leadership development.
          • Visit https://blacktransmen.org/ for more.
          • Visit https://centerforblackequity.org/baltimore/ for more.

          Interested in Deeper Learning?

          Visit the following resources to learn more.

          For Individuals:

          • Howard County Library System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56uc_6IUikY
          • The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/
          • Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/resources/

          For Families:

          • Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/parents/identity
          • Gender Spectrum: https://www.genderspectrum.org/family
          • Family Acceptance Project: https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/

          For Teachers:

          • GLSEN: https://www.glsen.org/resources/educator-resources
          • Learning for Justice: https://www.learningforjustice.org/classroom-resources