ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the launch of the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) new Older Adult Rental Assistance Program. This new program aims to assist low-income households consisting of at least one older adult that are housing cost burdened due to high rent payments, by providing a rental subsidy worth up to $400 per month. The subsidy will be paid directly to the landlord for up to 24 months for a total assistance amount of $9,600.
“In Howard County, our residents enjoy one of the very best places to live, work, play, grow, and thrive. People move to Howard County for our incredible schools, vast parks, abundant community amenities, and vibrant small businesses,” said Ball. “However, for older adults living on a fixed income, the rental rates in our county can be unaffordable and unsustainable. As we celebrate the start of Older Americans Month, we are launching this new rental assistance program to continue making Howard County a place where older adults can age in place and can take advantage of all that we have to offer, we recognize the need for rental assistance to support residents in our community.”
To administer this rental assistance program, DHCD has partnered with the United Way of Central Maryland. To be eligible for the program, income-eligible households must have at least one household member who is 62 or older and spend more than 30 percent of the household’s gross monthly income on rent.
Residents interested in applying, can either self-refer by calling 211, emailing housingquestions@uwcm.org, or completing the “Howard County Older Adult Rental Assistance Program Referral Form” online, or be referred by agencies serving in the community. A case manager from United Way will respond to calls, emails, and completed referral requests. Program eligibility will be based on a review of household income and rent payment amount. Additionally, as program funding is limited, funding will only be available to the first 100 qualified applicants who meet the program guidelines.
“This rental assistance program for older adults that want to continue to live in Howard County is another example of County Executive Ball’s commitment to an Age-Friendly Howard County. This assistance will help reduce housing cost burdens for older adult households so they can afford to remain in their homes and pay for other necessities such as food and medication,” said Kelly Cimino, DHCD Director.
In addition to the program, the United Way is also offering applicants case management services to help connect them with other available benefits and resources.
“We’re happy to partner with Howard County on this important project. We look forward to providing much needed services to older adults,” said Sandy Monck, Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at the United Way of Central Maryland.
To more learn more about this program, check out the program’s fliers online (in English; en Español).
The program is funded through the County’s Housing Opportunities Trust Fund (HOTF) which Ball established in July 2022. The HOTF promotes and supports equitable, geographically disbursed and affordable rental and for-sale housing opportunities throughout the county and assists in alleviating the difficulties of many low- and moderate-income households, including seniors and persons with disabilities, to obtain and maintain housing that meets their needs at costs that they can afford. Ball allocated $2 million to support the Older Adult Rental Assistance program through the HOTF.
In December 2024, Howard County released the Age-Friendly Howard County 5-Year Progress Report, endorsed by AARP, showcasing the strides made to enhance livability for residents of all ages. Building on this success, in January 2025, Howard County launched the next five-year plan, Age-Friendly: Collaborate, focused on continuing to create a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community for everyone.
In five years, the County has implemented various age-friendly initiatives:
- The Age-Friendly Outdoor Fitness Lot provides state-of-the-art exercise equipment for cardio and strength training to boost fitness, meet other health-minded people and enjoy the benefit of being outdoors.
- Tables for Connection: Solar-powered, wheelchair accessible tables that serve as Wi-Fi hotspots, charging stations, and quick resource hubs. The tables are in parks that serve individuals of all ages and enhance connectivity. This project is designed to increase social connectedness using age-friendly technology.
- Howard County’s Age-Friendly guide creates readable materials that were implemented in the 2025 Howard County Resource Guide publication.
- A free online portal supported over 250 family caregivers to reduce stress, improve care and reduce hospitalizations.
- With the support of the County Council, the Aging in Place County Tax Credit was enhanced.
For more information about DCHD’s programs and initiatives, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/DHCD or contact DHCD at 410-313-6318 or email housing@howardcountymd.gov.
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