Grassroots Emergency Shelter Celebrates Remodeling Project

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Officials gathered with members of the community and others to celebrate a renovation and expansion project at the Grassroots Emergency Shelter.

The renovation of the Grassroots Emergency Shelter will be the first major expansion of the shelter facility since 2008. Conducted in two construction phases, the project will add a total of 29 new shelter beds to the facility. The first phase of construction was completed in November 2024, delivering 20 new beds that are already available to community members in need of shelter services. The second phase of construction will begin in spring 2025 and will deliver nine additional beds, bringing the total number of beds at the shelter to 80 by summer 2025. The expansion represents an increase of shelter capacity by more than 55%.

“Howard County Government partners closely with Grassroots Crisis Intervention to provide compassionate critical services and shelter, in a dignified way, support to residents who are experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Howard County,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Too many of our residents experience housing instability and homelessness. By offering emergency shelter, rapid rehousing and supportive services, we are striving to ensure that our neighbors feel seen heard and loved, especially during the cold months of the holiday season.”

The Grassroots Emergency Shelter is owned by Howard County and operated by Grassroots Crisis Intervention, a nonprofit with more than 50 years of community service in Howard County. In 2004, Grassroots launched its Cold Weather Shelter program and in fiscal year 2024, Grassroots provided Cold Weather Shelter for 73 people for 119 winter nights, totaling 3,296 total shelter beds nights through the Cold Weather Shelter program. During this time, faith-based partners and congregations provided families housed at the shelter with three meals a day. Across all shelter services in FY2024, Grassroots served 547 clients for a total of 14,714 shelter bed nights.

“Grassroots has served as Howard County’s emergency shelter for 55 years, offering refuge to those who are most vulnerable in our community,” said Dr. Mariana Izraelson, Psy.D, LCADC, executive director at Grassroots. “These 20 new beds will allow us to provide even more adults, children and families with the necessary support services they need to achieve stable and secure housing during one of the most difficult times of the year. We are so thankful for this impactful investment from County Executive Dr. Ball and the amazing support from our many partners who help make our work a reality.”

To access shelter services offered by Grassroots, residents can call the Grassroots crisis line at 410-531-6677 or walk in to the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045 to complete a housing assessment. For more information on Grassroots’ services, visit https://grassrootscrisis.org.