Housing, Food & Clothing
Car Seat Loaner Program, KISS (Kids in Safety Seats)
Carroll County Health Department, Health Education 290 S. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157-5222
410-876-4448
carrollhealthdepartment.dhmh.md.gov/healthserv/kiss.html
- To provide information to the public on child passenger safety laws and the correct use of safety seats. This program also loans safety seats to low-income Carroll County residents at a minimal charge. Safety seat checks at the Health Department are made by appointment only.
- Call for information on the next community car seat event.
FindHelp.org
- Search and connect to support in your area for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help near you.
Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, Inc.
301-662-0622
- Provide low-cost clothing, furniture, and household goods to residents of the local community with store revenues supporting Goodwill programs.
- Items include household wares, sporting goods, sewing/crafts, furniture, pictures, baby items, toys, linens, curtains, clothing, shoes, books, and some outdoor items.
James Thrift Shop
St. James Episcopal Church
234 S. Main Street, Mount Airy, MD 21771-5317
301-829-0314
- Offers clean used clothing and household items at reasonable prices through the thrift shop, an outreach ministry of St. James’ Episcopal Church.
Mount Airy Net
(Located inside Calvary United Methodist Church) 403 S. Main Street, Mount Airy, MD 21771-5346
301-829-0472 (Leave voice mail message for service.)
- Mount Airy Net is a cooperative network of churches, civic organizations, and caring individuals. Services provided are emergency assistance for needy persons in the four-county Mount Airy area.
- Emergency assistance is available in the following areas: fuel/electricity, pharmaceutical, food, clothing, shelter (limited), and other appropriate needs.
- No fees are charged.
NESAP (North East Social Action Program) Thrift Store and Community Assistance Program
1046 S. Carroll Street, Hampstead, MD 21074-1816
410-374-9099
410-239-6216
- Northeast Social Action Program (NESAP) Services is a Christian non-profit, cooperative community outreach organization. Services include financial assistance for rent, fuel utilities, transportation, minor medical, as well as food, clothing, school supplies and Christmas assistance.
- The store helps fund the Assistance Programs and provides items free of charge for those in need. Serves all ages.
Shepherd’s Staff
30 Carroll Street, Westminster, MD 21157-4831
410-857-5944
- Provides a Christian outreach and support center which helps resolve short- term crises while seeking pathways to self-sufficiency.
- Provides prescription assistance to the uninsured and underinsured. Offers many programs including Back-to-School, Take-a-Book, Call for Coats, Blessings Closet, food assistance, general clothing, walk-ins, referral, and advocacy.
- Serves all ages.
- No fees are charged.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
1232 Tech Court, Westminster, Maryland 21157
800-332-6347 (SNAP)
800-997-2222 (EBT)
https://dhs.maryland.gov/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program/ (SNAP General Information)
https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardclient/#/dssMap (Local SNAP Offices by County)
https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/register (SNAP Online Application)
https://www.connectebt.com/ (Electronic Benefits Transfer for SNAP, WIC, and Cash Payments)
- Assists low-income households to have a more nutritious diet by increasing their purchasing power.
- Your household must meet certain requirements to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits. If your state agency determines that you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, you will receive benefits back to the date you submitted your application.
- You must apply for SNAP in the state where you currently live. Because each state has a different application form and process, a member of your household must contact your state agency directly to apply.
- If you are unable to go to or call your local SNAP office or do not have access to the internet, you may have another person act as an authorized representative by applying and being interviewed on your behalf. You must designate the authorized representative in writing.
- Generally, students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college at least half time are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet certain specific exemptions.
Women, Infant, and Children Program (WIC) Carroll County Health Department
290 S. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157-5219
410-876-4898
410-876-4459 (Fax)
- To help Carroll County low-income families grow up healthy and stay healthy by providing nutritious food to pregnant, breast-feeding, or postpartum women, and their infants and children up to age five.
- Applicants are screened for medical and/or nutritional needs; they are weighed, measured, and screened for iron deficiency.
- Must also meet income and residency requirements. No fees are charged.
- Services are provided by appointment only.
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Brian Safe Haven
2325 Feeser Rd. Taneytown, MD 21787
443-500-1139
- Food pantry: providing perishable and non-perishable food items.
- Appointments schedules Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00-2:00pm.
- Appointments also scheduled every 3rd Saturday of the month 10:00-12:00pm.
Carroll Community College Food Locker
410-386-8500.
https://www.carrollcc.edu/resources/health-wellness-safety/carroll-food-locker/
- The Carroll Food Locker Program (CFLP) offers grocery assistance to Carroll Community College faculty, staff, and students in need.
- All students, credit and non-credit, who are registered for the current semester and current faculty and staff can participate. No financial information is required to determine eligibility.
- To sign up for the Food Locker, please email studentlife@carrollcc.edu. Food items vary from week to week, but primarily consist of canned foods, dry goods, and limited amounts of frozen meats and produce.
- We also have a limited supply of hygiene products. Clients can sign up for an appointment by emailing studentlife@carrollcc.edu or calling 410-386-8500.
- The Food Locker is located on the lower level of the Great Hall, under the stairs and across from the vending machines.
- If you have any questions about Food Locker, please contact Diane DeAtley at ddeatley@carrollcc.edu
- Monday: 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Tuesday: 1 – 4 p.m. Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Thursday: 3 – 6 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Carroll County Food Sunday
Citizen Services Building
10 Distillery Drive (Ground Floor), Westminster, MD 21157-5021
410-857-7926
- Collects non-perishable food and money to buy food and make it available to people who are hungry. The food is free and served to anyone in need. Visit the Food Sunday website for info about distribution sites across the county.
Deeds of Faith Food Pantry
Crosswind Church, 640 Lucabaugh Mill Road, Westminster, MD 21157-3814
410-848-5537
https://mycrosswind.com/foodpantry
- Shopping starts at 2pm on Fridays until supplies last.
- Visit their website for information about pantry days and Church office hours.
Eldersburg Library Little Free Pantry
6400 W. Hemlock Dr. Sykesville, MD 21784
410-386-4460
- Open 24/7.
- Non-perishable food items only.
- “Take what you need. Leave what you can.”
First Call for Help
800-492-0618
211
- 211 connects you with expert, caring help in your area.
Hampstead Little Free Pantry
1205 N Main St, Hampstead, MD 21074
833-622-7862
- Open 24/7 for pick up.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Meadow Branch Church of the Brethren, 818 Old Taneytown Rd. Taneytown, MD 21787
410-848-7478
- Food pantry open each Wednesday from 4:00-6:00pm.
- Non-perishable food items and frozen meats.
- Fresh produce and personal care items when available.
Immanuel Lutheran Church
3184 Church St. Manchester, MD 21102
410-374-4463
- Food pantry – Wednesday 10:00-11:30AM.
- Bags of groceries, bags of snacks, bags of meals.
- As available: Bread, milk, eggs, fresh produce, toiletry items, personal hygiene items.
- Pet Pantry as supplies available – Check MCQE Facebook page for schedule.
- Follows CCPS Inclement Weather Schedule.
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Carroll County Branch
255 Clifton Boulevard, Suite 312, Westminster, MD 21157-4787
410-857-4447
- This volunteer-based nonprofit agency provides meals to homebound persons of any age or economic status who are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves.
- Fees are based on a sliding scale. Food Assistance Benefits, available although the Independence Card are accepted as payment.
Morgan Chapel United Methodist Church
6750 Woodbine Rd. Woodbine, MD 21797
410-970-2485
- On the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9:00-11:00am, drive though food pantry is available.
- Pet pantry is also held every 2nd Saturday.
- Check Facebook page for updates.
- Delivery may be available in special cases – call to arrange.
Mt. Airy Net Calvary United Methodist Church
1402 N. Main St. Mt. Airy, MD 21771
301-829-0472
- Groceries available for pick up from 10:00-2:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
- Available once a month to Mt. Airy residents. Newcomers must bring ID.
NESAP (North East Social Action Program)
1046 S. Carroll St. Hampstead, MD 21074
410-374-9099
410-239-6216 (Fax)
- Food Pantry open by appointment only Monday – Wednesday from 8:00am-2:30pm.
- Food pantry: food items, personal hygiene, diapers, baby food, formula, etc.
- Store hours: Monday – Saturday from 9:00-3:00pm.
- Store: Clothing, household items, toys, etc.
Reisterstown United Methodist Church
246 Main St. Reisterstown
410-833-5440
- Food pantry will operate on Saturdays from 8:30-11:00am.
- Shelf stable food and fresh and produce and meat as available.
- Pet panty 1st Saturday of each month from 8:30-11:00am.
Salvation Army-Brass Hat Café
300 Hahn Rd. Westminster, MD 21157
410-876-9358
- Food pantry: Monday – Friday from 8:00-4:00pm.
- Appointments preferred. Call to schedule.
Silver Run Community Food Pantry
3978 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158-1541
410-346-7146
https://community.carr.org/fullrecord.asp?record=1742
- To collect non-perishable food items and distribute them to those who are hungry.
- Items are distributed from the St. Mary’s Evangelical Lutheran Church parish house.
- Please use the Mayberry Road entrance.
- Drive through Food Pantry every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 5:00-6:00pm.
Shepherd’s Staff
30 Carroll St. Westminster, MD 21157
410-857-5944
- Distributing emergency food and personal care essentials Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only.
- Call for information and to schedule appointment.
- Tuesday appointment hours: 10:00-2:00pm.
- Thursdays appointment hours: 1:00-5:00pm.
South Carroll Food Pantry
961 Johnsville Road, Sykesville, MD 21784-4903
410-795-2777
https://wesleyfreedom.org/south-carroll-food-pantry-and-feed-my-sheep/
- To work with the Maryland Food Bank to provide free groceries to Carroll County residents in need. Food is distributed at Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church from 8:30 am to 11:30 am the fourth Saturday of each month.
- No charge for the groceries. Photo identification is required.
St. James Lutheran Church
14 S. Benedum St. Union Bridge, MD
410-861-5567
- Providing bags of food Monday 5:30-6:00pm.
St. Joseph Catholic Community Church
915 Liberty Rd. Sykesville, MD
410-795-7838
- Food pantry every Wednesday from 10:00-12:00pm.
- Indoor distribution: Masks and social distancing required.
- In inclement weather situation call and check recording to see if open.
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ
17 Bond St. Westminster, MD 21157
410-848-5975
- 24/7 Little Food Pantry located near intersection of Union Alley/Bond St. next to St. Paul’s.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
200 Main St. New Windsor, MD, 21176
410-635-2470
- Food pantry open Wednesday 5:15-6:30pm.
- For New Windsor and Union Bridge residents only.
- 2nd Wednesday of the month household items, clothes, etc. may be available.
Tree of Friends Food Pantry
3197 Main St. Manchester, MD
443-507-8546
- Open Sundays 2:00-4:00pm.
- Call for appointment.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
38 West Baltimore St. Taneytown, MD
410-756-6626
- CCFS providing food pantry services every Thursday 9:30-11:15am at church.
Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church
961 Johnsville Rd. Sykesville, MD
410-795-2777
- Food pantry available 4th Saturday of every month from 8:30-11:30am.
- Indoor Blessings Closet: eligible once per month Mondays from 10:00-1:00pm.
- Fill out form for Indoor Blessings Closet.
Westminster Rescue Mission
658 Lucabaugh Mill Rd. Westminster, MD 21157
410-848-2222 – Ext. 130
- Call to schedule an appointment to receive groceries delivered to your car; subject to circumstances and food availability.
- Check Facebook for updates.
- Appointments for pick up will be scheduled Tuesday and Friday between 10:00-11:00am.
BroadbandNow
https://broadbandnow.com/guides/low-income-internet
- Cheap internet is available with several assistance programs from major internet service providers like AT&T and Xfinity.
- Public Wi-Fi networks and hotspots are free, but you should use a VPN service to protect your online privacy.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) to support low-income households.
A Meal and More
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ
17 Bond Street, Westminster, MD 21167
410-848-5975
https://community.carr.org/fullrecord.asp?record=868
- A Meal and More is a weekly community meal for hungry people. Each week, a group of volunteers works to prepare and serve a hot meal to an average of 80–100 Westminster community members.
Bishop’s Garth Park
Bishop Ct Westminster MD 21157
- Lunch served 7/11-8/24 from 11:15-11:45.
Bureau of Aging
125 Stoner Ave. Westminster, MD 21157
410-386-3800
- Providing emergency meal kits to adults 60+ Monday – Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm.
- All 5 Senior and Community Centers offer a combination of congregate meal and grab & go meals.
- Please call for meal times and menus.
Carpenter’s Table
St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church
44 Frederick Street, Taneytown, MD 21787
410-857-5733
www.stjosephtaneytown.org/community-outreach
- The Carpenter’s Table is an outreach program in Taneytown, MD that supplies bagged groceries and milk vouchers for families. Bagged lunches will be distributed on Thursdays as part of a rotation with eight other churches.
- To learn more about this program, visit their website.
Church of Ascension
23 N. Court St. Westminster, MD 21157
410-848-3251
- Lunch served every Wednesday 12:00-12:45pm.
- Indoor dining services.
Dutterer Park
Shaeffer Avenue Westminster MD 21157.
- Lunch served 7/11-8/24 from 12:00-12:30.
Ebenezer United Methodist Church
901 Woodbine Rd. Sykesville, MD
410-795-6136
- Drive-through food pick up service from 9:00-11:00am.
- Available the 3rd Saturday of every month.
- Ebenezer also provides a hot meal to guests on the second Monday of every month.
Feed My Sheep
Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church 961 Johnsville Road, Sykesville, MD 21784
410-795-2777
www.wesleyfreedom.org/south-carroll-food-pantry-and-feed-my-sheep/
- This free, lunchtime meal is served in the Community Life Center at Wesley
- Freedom United Methodist Church and is sponsored by church congregations in the South Carroll area, and Wards Chapel UMC. Visit website for full list of dates and times.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
21 Carroll Street, Westminster, MD, 21157
410-848-7020
- Takeout Meals served Tuesdays from12:00-1:00pm and Thursdays from 5:45-7:00pm.
- Indoor dining and takeout options.
Lasagna Love
- Sign up at https://lasagnalove.org/request/ to receive prepared meals.
Loaves and Fishes/Shepherd’s Table
Westminster United Methodist Church 165 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD
410-848-8325
https://www.umc.org/en/find-a-church/church/?id=20942
- Loaves and Fishes is an outreach ministry with the goal to feed and assist those in need in the community. Each week, different Westminster congregations take turns providing meals and hosts from the congregations are present to set up the dining area and assist during the meal and clean up. Visit website for a full calendar of dates and times.
Meals on Wheels
410-857-4447
- Apply online at https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
- Delivery of four frozen meals available 1-3 times a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday (choose frequency).
- Meals are for cost but food stamps are accepted and MOW can assist with food stamp applications.
Salvation Army-Brass Hat Café
300 Hahn Rd. Westminster, MD 21157
410-876-9358
- Soup Kitchen services Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.
- Dinner served 4:30-6:00pm.
- Takeout only.
St. James Lutheran Church
14 S. Benedum St. Union Bridge, MD
410-861-5567
- Providing bags of food Monday 5:30-6:00pm.
- Hot meals served on the 2nd Monday of month 5:30-6:00pm.
- Dine-in or takeout option.
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ
17 Bond Street, Westminster, MD 21157
410-848-5975
- Indoor lunch served Thursdays from 12:00-12:45pm.
Table of Grace Soup Kitchen/Ardent Folk Grace Lutheran Church
21 Carroll Street, Westminster 21157
410-848-7020
- Table of Grace Soup Kitchen offers community meals to those in need. Visit website for full calendar of dates and times.
Taneytown Elementary School
100 Kings Dr. Taneytown, MD 21787
410-751-3260
- Monday through Thursday only.
- Lunch served 7/11-8/24 from 11:00-12:00pm.
Taneytown Library
10 grand Dr. Taneytown, MD 21787
410-386-4510
- Lunch served 6/21 – 9/2 from 12:00 -1:00pm
- Lunch is eaten on site.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
38 W Baltimore St, Taneytown, MD 21787
410-756-6626
- To-Go meals served every Thursday, 9:30-11:15am in the church parking lot.
Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church
961 Johnsville Rd. Sykesville, MD
410-795-2777
- Indoor lunches will be served from 12:00-12:30pm on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
- Table of Bakery items available Monday, Thursday, and Friday during lunch distribution.
Westminster Church of Nazarene
27 E. Main St. Westminster, MD 21157
410-857-1477
- Hot To-Go meals will be provided on Sundays between 3:00-4:00pm after the church service.
- Must attend church service to receive meal.
Westminster Church of the Brethren
1 Park Place, Westminster, MD 21157
410-848-8090
- Bagged lunches served Saturdays from 12:00-12:30pm.
Westminster United Methodist Church
165 E. Main St. Westminster, MD 21157
410-848-8325
443-240-0453 – Brenda
- Bagged lunches served Monday from 12:00-12:30pm.
- The Shepherds table also serves a meal on Friday from 12:00-12:30pm.
- Call Brenda for more information.
Bureau of Prevention, Wellness, and Recovery Carroll County Health Department
290 S. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157-5219 410-876-4449
https://cchd.maryland.gov/behavioral-health-path-program/
- Projects for Assistance in Transition From Homelessness – PATH
- PATH is a program that provides outreach to individuals with serious mental illness, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders.
- The PATH case manager links people with mental health services, social service agencies, health care providers, substance abuse providers and housing programs as well as a variety of other services to assist individuals in becoming self-sufficient, gain permanent housing and reach goals toward recovery.
Carroll County Bureau of Housing and Community Development Carroll County Department of Citizen Services
10 Distillery Drive, Suite 101, Westminster, MD 21157-5021
410-386-3600
https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/citizen-services/housing-community-development
- To assure affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing for eligible families in communities of their choice while encouraging participants’ economic self- sufficiency.
- Provides technical and financial assistance related to housing and community development for all segments of Carroll County (except Westminster, which is served by its own Office of Housing and Community Development).
- Visit the website for more information about the programs offered, including vouchers, rental allowance, and temporary financial housing assistance for eligible county families.
- A similar program for working families is available in partnership with the Carroll County Department of Social Services.
Carroll County’s Housing Stability Program
10 Distillery Drive, Suite 101, Westminster, MD 21157
410-386-3600
- Call a Housing Stability Coordinator.
- Help with looking for a place to live.
- Access to emergency sheltering.
- Referrals to community resources for health needs and jobs.
- Providing information about Housing Choice Vouchers and other programs.
- Help completing paperwork for rental assistance and other benefits.
- Budgeting support to help you take control of your money.
- Education about your rights and referrals to legal services if you’ve faced housing discrimination.
- Access to special resources and programs for youth 18 to 24 years old.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Carroll County
Human Services Programs of Carroll County
410-386-6620
- Are you being evicted? Are you behind in paying rent? Apply now to see if you qualify.
- If you or someone in your household have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are behind on your rent, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, recently established by the U.S. Treasury, may be able to help.
- To Be Eligible: You must be renting in Carroll County.
- You must have lost income or experienced a financial hardship due to or indirectly related to COVID-19.
- Household income must be at or below 80% of area median income.
Foreclosure Assistance
1-877-462-7555
1-855-604-4663
1-888-784-0136
- Call for assistance if facing foreclosure.
- Call for bad lending or scams.
Habitat for Humanity of Carroll County, Habitat for Humanity International
255 Clifton Boulevard, Suite 301, Westminster, MD 21157-4786
410-751-7722
- Hours by appointment
- A locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization, dedicated to meeting the needs of residents who lack adequate housing.
- Works in partnership with people in need to build and/or renovate decent, affordable housing.
- Eligibility for services is based on individual need. An application form may be requested by contacting the Habitat office.
- Clients are not charged a specific fee. There is a “sweat equity” requirement to persons receiving services through Habitat.
Human Services Programs of Carroll County,
10 Distillery Drive, Ground Floor, Westminster, MD 21157 410-857-2999
- The Family Support Programs – Provides services that help families develop self- sufficiency and effective parenting skills. Child development care is provided to support parents while they are learning valuable skills
- Shelter & Housing – In addition to shelter, services are provided to assist families, individuals, and those with disabilities get back on their fee to obtain and remain in permanent housing.
- Workforce Development – Assists individuals in job training, resume building, and searching for employment. The Workforce team also works with individuals to overcome barriers to employment such as criminal background or lack of previous experience.
- Emergency & Prevention Services – Connects individuals with an array of funds throughout the community and the state to assist them with paying utilities and preventing evictions. Emergency Services partners with the Maryland Energy Services Programs (MEAP) and the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) of the Department of Human Resources.
- Visit the website for more information about the programs included.
Income Based Rentals/Unsubsidized Rentals in Carroll County
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:7b0db077-32d4-32bc-9e89-fd8913ca21bb
- Rentals available in Carroll County by income (subsidized), unsubsidized rentals, and rentals exclusive for those 62 and up.
Night by Night Shelter (Cold Weather Shelter):
127 Stoner Avenue, Westminster, MD, 21157
410-386-6679
https://www.charmcare.org/locations/211-marylan/cold-weather-shelter
- Human Services Programs (HSP) of Carroll County operates a year-round night by night shelter which accepts walk-in participants nightly at 7:00 p.m. with stays through 8:00 a.m. the following morning. Light food is available
The Mainstream Voucher Program
410-386-3800
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/mainstream
- Disability Voucher Housing Program
- Mainstream vouchers assist non-elderly persons with disabilities. Aside from serving a special population, Mainstream vouchers are administered using the same rules as other housing choice vouchers. Please see PIH Notice 2020-01 for more information.
Weber Sober Homes
P.O. Box 106, Woodbine, MD 21797
- Provides interventions, one-on-one counseling, addiction support groups, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Offers 12-step outpatient recovery model and men’s recovery houses. There are two recovery houses available.
- All residents must pay their own way, participate in overseeing the house, and remain clean and sober.
- Fee for service.
- Serves men 18 and older.
Westminster Office of Housing Services Westminster City Government
56 W. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157 410-848-2261
https://www.westminstermd.gov/137/Housing-Services
- To help low-income citizens of Westminster meet their housing needs, and to revitalize the city’s older neighborhoods. Visit the website for more information about voucher and rental assistance programs, among others.