ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today cut the ribbon on a significant renovation and expansion of the Grassroots Emergency Shelter.
“Howard County Government partners closely with Grassroots Crisis Intervention to provide compassionate critical services and shelter, in a dignified way, support to residents who are experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Howard County,” said Ball. “Too many of our residents experience housing instability and homelessness. By offering emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and supportive services, we are striving to ensure that our neighbors feel seen heard and loved, especially during the cold months of the holiday season.”
The transformational renovation of the Grassroots Emergency Shelter will be the first major expansion of the shelter facility since 2008. Conducted in two construction phases, the project will add a total of 29 new shelter beds to the facility. The first phase of construction was completed in November 2024, delivering 20 new beds that are already available to community members in need of shelter services. The second phase of construction will begin in Spring 2025 and will deliver nine additional beds, bringing the total number of beds at the Shelter to 80 by Summer 2025. The expansion represents an increase of shelter capacity by more than 55%.
“Grassroots has served as Howard County’s emergency shelter for 55 years, offering refuge to those who are most vulnerable in our community,” said Dr. Mariana Izraelson, Psy.D, LCADC, Executive Director at Grassroots. “These 20 new beds will allow us to provide even more adults, children and families with the necessary support services they need to achieve stable and secure housing during one of the most difficult times of the year. We are so thankful for this impactful investment from County Executive Dr. Ball and the amazing support from our many partners who help make our work a reality.”
“When Grassroots opened their new Crisis Intervention Center in Columbia in October 2023, it provided an exciting opportunity to expand shelter capacity within the existing space at the Freetown Road Shelter, said Kelly Cimino, Director of the Housing and Community Development and Chair of the Continuum of Care Board. “Clients facing housing instability will benefit from the increased shelter capacity as the County’s homeless response system works with them to make homelessness rare, brief and a one-time experience.”
During his State of the County address in October 2024, County Executive Ball announced his commitment of $1 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the completion of Phases 1 and 2 of this renovation and expansion. As part of this renovation, Howard County has also added new restroom and shower facilities, locker-rooms, a new laundry facility, and ADA-accessible facilities.
“At St John Baptist Church, we believe that caring for our neighbors in need is a fundamental expression of our faith,” said Reverend Dr. Robert Turner, Senior Pastor St John Baptist Church. “Our partnership with Grassroots’ Cold Weather Shelter embodies our commitment to compassion and community service. By providing resources and volunteers, we strive to offer warmth, safety, and hope to those facing the harshest conditions. This initiative not only strengthens our community bonds but also reflects the core values of empathy and social responsibility that guide our mission.”
“Today reminds me that in a virtual age of remote learning and work, physical space is as important as ever,” said Mitchel Lee, Lead Pastor of Grace Community Church. “Safe space to be able to be known and to know one another, a literal shelter from the storm. I hope that bringing the many acts of service and compassion under one roof, into one place, will help foster the deepening of relationships where people are not just served, but known.”
The Grassroots Emergency Shelter is owned by Howard County Government and operated by Grassroots Crisis Intervention, a nonprofit with more than 50 years of community service in Howard County. In 2004, Grassroots launched its Cold Weather Shelter program. In Fiscal Year 2024, Grassroots provided Cold Weather Shelter for 73 people for 119 winter nights, totaling 3,296 total shelter beds nights through the Cold Weather Shelter program. During this time, faith-based partners and congregations provided families housed at the shelter with three meals a day. Across all shelter services in FY2024, Grassroots served 547 clients for a total of 14,714 shelter bed nights.
To access shelter services offered by Grassroots, residents can call the Grassroots crisis line at 410-531-6677 or walk in to the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045 to complete a housing assessment. For more information on Grassroots’ services, please visit: https://grassrootscrisis.org/.
