Organizations Providing Help for the Homeless

Many people ask how they can help homeless people in Howard County.  Thankfully, there are several organizations providing direct services to our homeless population and those at risk of becoming homeless.  A few are listed below.  They all gratefully accept both in-kind and monetary donations. Please consult their websites for more information.

Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center www.grassrootscrisis.org

operates shelter programs and support services for homeless families and individuals including:

• 24-hour crisis hotline/walk-in counseling/information/referral
• Shelter and transitional housing including 51 beds at the Grassroots facility, a motel shelter program, the Cold Weather shelter (Mid-November through Mid-March) hosted by the faith-based community on a rotating weekly basis
• Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) provides financial assistance and case management to households at risk of homelessness
• Day Resource Center www.daycenter.org provides services to meet the basic needs of homeless people, many of whom are living in the woods or in cars

Bridges to Housing Stability www.bridges2hs.org

operates two programs:

• Homelessness to Housing Program provides transitional housing and case management for up to two years for families leaving shelter
• Homelessness Prevention Program provides assessment and case management to families who are at risk of homelessness including money management coaching, landlord/tenant mediation, tenant education and referral to community support services

Community Action Council www.cac-hc.org

Provides food, energy and housing assistance:

• Financial assistance and case management to prevent eviction and/or utility shut-offs
• One month’s rent and security deposit
• Financial assistance for households at risk of becoming homeless
• Financial counseling
• Information and referral to community support services

Domestic Violence Center www.dvccenter.org

operates an emergency shelter and two transitional housing sites for persons who become homeless as a result of domestic violence or sexual assault

• Help for victims to meet basic needs
• Case management
• Legal advocacy
• Counseling