Shelter Services

Family Shelter Program

Grassroots operates the only general emergency shelter in Howard County at 6700 Freetown Road in Columbia, MD.  The program has 33 beds for families experiencing a shelter crisis.

 

Children's Activity at the Family Shelter at Grassroots

Each resident is assigned a case manager who works with them to develop a case plan designed to address their particular needs and challenges. Case managers help resident progress achieve goals that include getting a job, saving money, attending addictions treatment, applying for benefits for which they may be eligible and securing identification paperwork.

Housing alone does not resolve the cycle of homelessness for the majority of our residents. Staff also provide supportive counseling; assistance in seeking jobs and apartments; help with budgeting and parenting skills; and referral for mental health services, social services, or addictions treatment. 

 

Individual Emergency Shelter

Men's Shelter Client getting ready for work.

Our individual emergency shelter can serve up to 18 people. Each resident has a primary counselor or case manager and an individualized housing plan which could include employment, a savings plan, addictions treatment, psychiatric treatment, training or GED, and debt management. All of the support services available to families are also provided to individuals. 

 

Cold Weather Shelter

Mother And BabyThe Cold Weather Shelter is a partnership with the faith community and Howard County government and provides overflow shelter from November through March. Congregations host the shelter for one or two weeks and provide volunteers for transportation, meals, laundry and to work shifts in the shelter. Grassroots provides administrative coordination and a staff person to act as the team leader during the hours that the shelter is open. For more information on how your congregation can participate in the Cold Weather Shelter program, please contact Kathy Piet, the CWS Manager, kathyp@grassrootscrisis.org. For emergency shelter needs, please contact the crisis hotline at 410-531-6677.

 

Grassroots Day Resource Center

Grassroots Day Resource Center is located at 10390 Guilford Road, Suite A (first floor) in Jessup and is open 3 days a week. The Center provides hot meals, showers, limited laundry, fellowship and social services to homeless individuals in Howard County. For more information, call the business line at 301-776-9900.

Hours of Operation (general)
Mondays, 2 to 6 p.m.
Wednesdays, 2 to 6 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m