Why Assistance Plays an Important Role in the Community

Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc. is an agency that provides a variety of services to some 9,500 Carroll County residents who are low income or become at risk for one reason or another. At times, there seem to be misconceptions about people who avail themselves to social or human services. There are even some who think the services provided by HSP are for people who use or abuse the system.

While there will always be individuals who will take advantage of any number of things in this life, the great majority of our clients reach out when they are truly in need. Here's a recent example of one client whose need for services was generated by a life situation that was completely out of his control.

For the sake of confidentiality, we'll call him Joe. Joe is an educated man whose career was in the computer industry. He worked for a highly regarded company for over 15 years while managing a physical disability.

Unfortunately for Joe, his disability progressed to a point where he could no longer work. He was forced to resign and unable to receive a retirement package. His only income was the income he received after liquidating his retirement savings he had accumulated while employed. He made this choice thinking that his health would improve and he could return to work at some point down the road.

As Joe's disability worsened and his cash dwindled, he was forced to seek services that could help him with his day to day life. He applied and received Social Security Disability. In addition, he applied and was deemed eligible for Electric Universal Services Program (EUSP) and Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP); both energy assistance programs through HSP.

While these services will never replace the income that Joe received when he was gainfully employed, they have helped him in other ways. He is able to purchase his much needed medications for multiple health conditions and help pay for some of his basic needs.

This is just one of many client stories that represent how critical it is to have services available for citizens who fall upon hard times and by no choice of their own, unable to make financial ends meet in their day to day lives.