Community Partnerships
9830 Patuxent Woods Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
United States
Community Partnerships: Enriching lives through access and support
The Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) seeks to enrich the lives of Howard County residents by offering ready access to human services and supports to help them become self-sufficient.
OCP strives to ensure residents have access to the resources they need to create meaningful opportunities and lead fulfilling lives.
Please note that Homeless Services has moved to the Department of Housing & Community Development and can be reached using the following link
Introducing HoCo Exel - Howard County's new Nonprofit Execlerator
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball launched HoCo EXCEL, Howard County’s new Nonprofit Excelerator Program in February 2024 with County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) Director Jackie Scott and representatives from the Association of Community Services (ACS) and Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo) at the Nonprofit Collaborative of Howard County in Columbia.
HoCo EXCEL will help advance Howard County nonprofits over the next three years. The County has invested $340,000 in kickoff funding to provide knowledge, new skills and tools to further nonprofits. This funding also provides specialized coaching, training and annual grants for a cohort of five nonprofits that will be selected in late spring.
Programs & Resources
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Community Service Partnership (CSP) Grants Program
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The purpose of the CSP Program is to equitably meet basic needs and foster safety, security, and well-being for Howard County residents through funding, collaboration, and technical assistance to human service nonprofits.
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The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
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Local Boards are convened in qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need and best use of funds and to select Local Recipient Organizations that will provide emergency food and shelter services. Each year, needs are to be assessed to respond to changes in the community.
The Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel
Established in July 2024, the Panel will study the implementation of adult-use cannabis in Howard County and make recommendations on how the County can promote health, public safety, business, and social and racial equity in the adult-use market. The Panel will also provide input on the granting of Community Reinvestment and Repair funding to community organizations working in disproportionately impacted areas.
Candidates needed to fill the panel. Apply today! Applications due August 9, 2024.
The Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency (BPSS)
The Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency (BPSS) was created in 2008 to act as a planning and coordinating body for initiatives that promote the economic stability of individuals and families and reduce the incidence of poverty in Howard County. The Board envisions a community where those in need have opportunities and pathways for getting ahead.
