Additional Resources

Bureau of Housing for Carroll County (BHCC) (410-386-3600)

The Bureau of Housing for Carroll County offers several options for local families that need housing.  The Section 8 Tenant-Based Housing Assistance program administers 549 Housing Choice Vouchers for very low-income families. “Section 8” is part of the federal Housing and Urban Development program.  Eligible families are those which are:
62 years of age or older, AND/OR
handicapped or disabled, AND/OR
pregnant
Two or more persons intending to share a residence

In addition to providing housing vouchers, the BHCC has the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which assists clients with achieving financial and residential independence.  For those who have homes, but need to improve them, the BHCC has special loan programs for weatherization and home ownership initiatives.

http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/housing/default.asp

Human Services Programs of Carroll County (HSP CC) (410-857-2999)

The HSP CC has several programs targeted at different populations in Carroll County.  The Permanent Housing for Persons with Disability Program provides applicants with a leased residence, and supports them in efforts for independent living.  This includes requiring them to pay all rent, utility, and other necessary payments.  This program is available to men and women over 18 years old.

The Rental Assistance Program exists to support families that already have housing, but struggle to keep it.  HSP CC will help pay rent for a family for up to 12 weeks.  Eligible families are those that meet HSP CC income requirements, and would otherwise not be served by either a federal or “more cost effective” program.  In addition, they must be either capable of living independently (and unable to hold a permanent residence due to resources), or experiencing a critical emergency housing need.  

The Supportive Housing Program is similar to the Permanent Housing for Persons with Disability Program, in that it assists the applicants with finding permanent housing, improve skills, or improve self-determination.  Eligible applicants are 18 and older men, women, or families who are currently living in an HSP shelter, and plan to live in Carroll County after leaving the HSP shelter.  

The Second Chances Program provides furniture and other goods to individuals and families that have successfully completed a program with HSP, as well as any needy Carroll County Resident.  It is operated in conjunction with Change, Inc.

http://www.hspinc.org/

Local Management Board (LMB) (410-386-3600)  

The Local Management Board provides links to a number of state and local agencies which would be a resource for individuals who are looking for support in obtaining housing.

http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/lmb/

Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) (1-800-332-6347)  

The Office of Home Energy Programs is a part of the Maryland Department of Human Resources.  It provides assistance for families struggling to pay heating bills, energy costs, and utilities protection.  The Maryland Energy Assistance Program provides funds for families that need assistance with their heating bills.  The Electric Universal Service Program provides assistance to either pay current or old electricity bills, as well as provide funds for energy efficiency improvements which would reduce electricity bills.  The Utility Service Protection Plan grants continued access to utilities for applicants, through payment agreements with utility companies.  

http://www.dhr.state.md.us/meap/index.htm

Family Investment Administration (410-386-3355)

The Family Investment Administration is a part of the Maryland Department of Human Resources.  Its Family Investment Program provides assistance for families that work towards independent living.  It accomplishes this through various grant programs for offsetting the cost of living, including employment assistance and food stamps.  The Family Investment Administration also provides resources for childcare support.

http://www.dhr.state.md.us/county/carroll/fia.htm

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (1-800-638-7781)

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has Group Housing Programs.  This program supplies funds for individuals, groups, and non-profit organizations to acquire or improve upon housing units for groups of individuals.  One major requirement is that the housing units must ensure that 51% of the beds in the housing units are for those who are salaried under 60% of the local area median income.

http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/Website/programs/ghp/ghp.aspx