Federal Workers In Howard County Can Receive Additional Services

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — As a follow-up to his federal workers forum hosted last week, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball shared a list of expanded resources and services the county and partner agencies are offering federal employees who could be impacted by the proposed changes being introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.

Tuesday’s forum was attended by more than 400 federal workers.

"Given our prime Washington-Baltimore metropolitan location, Howard County is home to thousands of dedicated federal employees and federal contractors – people who have devoted their careers to serving our nation. During this time of transition and great uncertainty, it is our duty to ensure our impacted neighbors have the resources and support they need to thrive. Just this week, we have already begun to take steps to expand childcare options, offer additional hours for career counseling and resume building, create a federal resource line to connect residents with local support programs and assistance, and more. In the days ahead, we will continue to work closely with our state and federal partners to coordinate resources and information on this ever-evolving federal situation," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

Hiring and Job Search Assistance

• The county’s Office of Human Resources is actively working to ensure that federal employees can quickly apply for open Howard County Government positions and is working to expedite the employment application process for federal workers.
• Effective immediately, the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) has started offering additional hours for federal employees seeking career counseling, assistance with resume building and tutorials to leverage LinkedIn and other social media platforms. On Feb. 12 at 5 p.m., OWD will be hosting an open house. For more information about Wednesday’s open house, call (410) 313-1060.
• Starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at Howard Community College’s Dwight A. Burrill Galleria, OWD will be hosting a Federal Workers Career Fair, featuring public- and private-sector partners. Attendees will also have the opportunity to have a new headshot taken for free.

Childcare

• At its before and after care program sites, offered at 23 Howard County Public School System elementary schools, the county’s Department of Recreation and Parks is actively working on ways to expand its care program for county residents, including impacted federal workers.
• The county’s Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of Children and Families’ CARE Line is a free information and referral service for people who have questions about children in Howard County, including childcare services. CARE Center staff work with families to identify their needs and help find solutions. For assistance, call 410-313-CARE (410-313-2273) or email children@howardcountymd.gov.

Food and Housing Assistance

• Terminated or furloughed federal employees living in Howard County and in need of food assistance, are eligible to receive pre-bagged shelf staples from the Community Action Council of Howard County’s (CAC) Food Bank for up to three months from the date of their first visit. Supplies are limited and proof of residency and photo federal identification will be required. After the three months, households who continue to experience food insecurity can apply for full Food Bank access and other CAC services.
• Federal employees who have recently lost employment and are facing unexpected financial crises and behind on their mortgage payment, may be eligible for the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s foreclosure prevention assistance program.

State and Federal Assistance

• Impacted federal workers are encouraged to review their participation eligibility for state and federal assistance programs, including:
  • Unemployment Insurance.
  • Healthcare through Maryland Health Connection’s Special Enrollment.
  • Temporary Cash Assistance.

Howard County Government Assistance

• Howard County Government will consider requests to change elections in flexible spending accounts for childcare if an employee has experienced a significant change in their childcare arrangements. This aims to support county employees who may have benefits through a federally-employed spouse with childcare impacts.
• Howard County has created an email address for county residents who are impacted federal employees to reach out to the county with questions on local support programs and assistance. Impacted federal employees and contractors can email hocohelp@howardcountymd.gov for guidance and assistance.

Transportation

• Howard County is advancing a partnership with Montgomery County to expand Flash Bus Rapid Transit along the US-29 corridor from downtown Columbia to Silver Spring. This month, the Howard County Council approved legislation authorizing Howard County to move forward with planning for this critical service extension. Leaders anticipate launching the Flash extension with Montgomery County in 2026, which will provide a new public transportation option for Howard County residents and federal employees to access Silver Spring and Washington area transit services. Learn more about this initiative here: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/transportation/public-transportation/Flash.

Mental Health Support:

• Many families may be struggling with the weight of uncertainty, fear and confusion. Impacted residents of all ages can call 988 to talk to someone. Mental health is vital more than ever during these difficult times.