Furloughed Workers To Receive Additional Support From Howard Co. Leaders

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — On Monday, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball was joined by U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth and other Howard County leaders to announce measures the county is taking to minimize the impact of the latest federal government shutdown.

“Once again, millions of Americans are facing the unnecessary uncertainty and the stress of living without a paycheck,” Ball said during the news conference. “A shutdown does not just negatively affect our country at large…it affects our neighbors, our community and the families we see every day. To help our neighbors during this challenging time, we are going to do what we do best – lead with love. We remain committed to providing various measurable support to help our residents through these unprecedented times.”

Elfreth stated that if Congress "does not do its job and address this health care crisis head-on, our constituents will suffer. I will work with anybody who will work with me to reach a bipartisan budget deal that does not put at risk the health care of 20 million Americans.”

“We've witnessed so many in our community lose their jobs arbitrarily because the president doesn't understand or appreciate the federal workers. I want to say thank you to our federal employees. You might be our neighbors, but you're the ones who are answering the phone at Social Security and delivering for veterans," Elfreth said.

Leaders outlined the following measures Howard County has implemented in the wake of the federal government shutdown that happened Oct. 1:

Howard County’s Foreclosure Prevention Program

Earlier this year, in response to the mass federal layoffs, Howard County expanded its Foreclosure Prevention Program. The Howard County Department of Housing continues to leverage $1 million in funding from the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund for this intervention. In the past 18 months, the department has provided more than $311,000 to bring mortgage accounts current for 30 households so they could avoid foreclosure. The county revised the program parameters to allow residents to apply for assistance after two missed mortgage payments, instead of three.

Additionally, to help residents who are furloughed and facing eviction, the state has removed the requirement to prove furlough status in order to receive assistance. Instead, the state is now allowing a self-attestation from residents stating they are furloughed. However, applicants must still provide proof of income eligibility and proof of past due mortgage payments to qualify. To be eligible for assistance:

• You must be a resident of Howard County;
• You must have a past due mortgage on your primary residence;
• You must not exceed 100% of the county’s area median income; and
• You must be between 2-6 months behind on mortgage payments.

Howard County Water Services
Howard County will not cut off water services for impacted federal workers. Please contact the Water and Sewer Billing Division in our Department of Finance at 410-313-2058 if you are impacted by the furlough.

Department of Community Resources and Services
Impacted residents in need of additional health or human services to ensure stability during this time, should contact the Department of Community Resources and Services at 410-313-6400 or the Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234. A complete list of resources can be found at: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/community-resources-services

Howard County Public School System
Howard County families who have lost pay due to the shutdown may apply for the Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FARMS) program by visiting the food services page on the HCPSS website. The HCPSS Food and Nutrition Office will determine eligibility status within 24-48 hours. Families that would not ordinarily qualify for this program could be eligible for the remainder of the school year because of the current loss of income. Additionally, families that are adversely impacted, including those who do not qualify for the Free and Reduced-Priced Meals program, will have the remainder of the school year to pay off any meal balances incurred during the government shutdown. Student Services staff at each school are prepared and available to assist students during the school day and numerous resources are available on the website.

Food Assistance
The Community Action Council of Howard County will provide pre-bagged shelf staples to federal employees living in Howard County up to two times a month during the shutdown. You must present federal identification at the food bank. Federal employees who have been terminated may visit the food bank twice a month for up to three months. You must bring proof of Howard County residency and proof of termination.

Utility assistance
BGE is providing expanded bill payment support options such as flexible payment options, late payment charge waivers and streamlined verification. Impacted customers will be eligible for multiple payment arrangements and budget billing plans. A 30-day waiver on late payment charges will be granted in increments for affected customers.

Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks
Recreation and Parks is offering to arrange alternate payment schedules for fees or recreational classes and access to facilities for impacted federal workers and contractors. To establish a payment schedule, call 410-313-7275.

Upcoming Events at Howard County Libraries
Two educational opportunities are available for residents to navigate these changes:

• Build Your Budget Workshop, Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m., Central Branch Library: Presented by the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU). Learn how to create and manage a simple budget that tracks your income and expenses, helping you take control of your finances and reach your goals.
• Landlord-Tenant: Know Your Rights Workshop, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m., Central Branch Library: Join the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection to get answers to common rental questions—like rent increases, breaking a lease, and more.

Howard County Economic Development Authority
Sponsored by Tower Federal Credit Union, HCEDA is offering the Howard County Business Resource Expo on Oct. 23. It is a one-stop event designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools they need to grow and succeed. Attendees will meet local lenders, technical assistance providers and business support organizations offering guidance on financing, marketing and more. The event will feature a panel on HCEDA’s loan programs, including the Catalyst Loan Fund, and highlight other capital and advisory resources available through county and regional partners. Sessions offered are Perfecting Your Lending Documents and BRITE Info Session.

Office of Workforce Development
OWD is continuing to be available with workforce supports including career coaching, assistance finding temporary or full-time work, building new skills through training or updating assisting residents with updating their resume and LinkedIn profile. They can also connect workers directly with employers who are hiring right now and make sure they have access to technology and resources workers might need.

Read more: Services, Programs Available To Federal Workers Facing Unemployment