Community Action Council Of Howard County Md Inc

Housing and energy assistance: housing assistance: the housing assistance program provides eviction prevention and rental assistance to eligible individuals and families who are facing the potential of homelessness. In fy 2024, the program prevented 290 families from becoming homeless. Energy assistance: the energy assistance program provides financial assistance toward households' utility bills who are facing bill arrearage or complete power shut offs. In fy 2024, cac served 7,177 households.

Weatherization: the weatherization assistance program (wap) helps eligible low- and moderate-income households with the installation of energy conservation materials in their dwelling units. Energy efficient appliances like heat pumps, refrigerator/freezer may be replaced. These measures both reduce the consumption of energy and associated costs and make these homes more comfortable,safe and healthy. Priority is given to the elderly, disabled, families with young children, and those with the highest utility cost burden. Each family saved an average of 677 per year in energy costs. 550 homes were weatherized in fy 2024.

Food assistance and community services partnership: food bank: the howard county food bank is the hunger relief program of cac. The food bank collected and distributed food directly to 23,582 households in howard county as well as to 17 partner pantries in 2024. The pantries function as an arm of the food bank that reach clients in their immediate community. The majority of the food pantries are located in churches and schools throughout howard county. Eligibility for food assistance is based on income and residency. The primary source of revenue and products for the food bank is from financial or food donations from individuals and groups who conduct food drives in their community, at their school or workplaces. In fy 2024, cac distributed more than 1,280,035 pounds of food.