Program Launched In Howard County To Help Students Experiencing Homelessness

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A new transformative housing assistance program, the Family Home Start Program, has been unveiled in Howard County. Targeting students experiencing homelessness, the Family Home Start Program will provide housing assistance and create pathways to stable housing for families through a security deposit guarantee, first month’s rental subsidy, housing search resources and case management support.

Howard County Public School System data indicates that nearly 500 of its students’ experienced homelessness in 2022. The Family Home Start Program will provide critical housing support to these students and families, helping them secure and maintain access to stable housing.

"Homelessness is a considerable challenge in Howard County and too often impacts a child's ability to thrive and learn. I appreciate the collaborative investment of County Executive Ball on behalf of many of the most vulnerable families and citizens of Howard County. This investment for rental subsidies is a wonderful step in the right direction as we tackle this universal challenge collectively," said William J. Barnes, acting superintendent for the Howard County Public School System.

Through the HOME package, overseen by Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development, the county has provided $1 million in funding to launch the county’s first ever Family Home Start Program. The program will be administered by Bridges to Housing Stability, a local housing nonprofit, in partnership with DHCD and HCPSS.

"This past fall, I launched our new comprehensive Housing Opportunities Meant for Everyone, or HOME, package aimed at tackling housing affordability in Howard County. Thanks to HOME, we are able to take steps to ensure our youngest residents can show up to school each day not having to worry about where they are going to sleep that night. By providing their families with the means and assistance needed to find a place to call home, we are giving these students the stability and safety they need to be able to excel in school and achieve a bright future," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said during his announcement of the program.

To learn more about this program, visit the Bridges to Housing Stability “Family Home Start” website.