$15M In Housing Assistance Distributed To Howard County Residents

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — As of Dec. 1, Howard County has distributed more than $15 million in housing assistance through DHCD and its non-profit partners, which accounts for 51 percent of its funding for county-managed assistance programs. So far, the county has supported 1,849 households with rent and utility assistance and foreclosure prevention.

“Since our first round of CARES Act Funding in 2020, our team has worked diligently to get funding into the hands of our most vulnerable residents,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “Our distribution method is one of the most efficient and effective in the nation – and most importantly, more of our residents are able to stay safely housed during a pandemic. If you or someone you know needs help with housing costs, funding is still available to pay rent and utility expenses.”

In October, the county received an additional $7.7 million in grant funding from the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program for rent relief and utility assistance. Ball announced in March an initial $9.7 million in grants from the program, which has been distributed to 785 households in need as of Dec. 1. Howard County is one of seven Maryland jurisdictions to receive a second round of funding from ERAP.

Assistance remains available for residents experiencing a loss of income, reduction in earnings, medical illness or had to care for family due to COVID-19. The funding can be used to pay past due rent and utility expenses for up to 18 months. Residents that have received assistance previously are eligible to apply for additional assistance from this funding up to a total of 18 months' assistance. Apply here.

Homeowners that have fallen behind on their mortgage payments can visit the DHCD’s COVID-19 webpage and complete an application.