What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services

Home
United States
Columbia, MD
Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services

Directions Website

This is the official page of the Howard County Department of Community Resources & Services.

The Department of Community Resources and Services now includes nine offices: the Office of Children and Families; Office of Consumer Protection; Office on Aging and Independence; Office of Veterans and Military Families; Office of Community Partnerships; Office of Local Children’s Board; Office on Human Trafficking Prevention; Office on Disability Services; and the Office of ADA Coordination.

11/13/2026

Help shape a more inclusive !

What are the biggest challenges facing people with disabilities in Howard County? DCRS' Commission on Disabilities wants to hear from you!

As part of a countywide study, the Commission is gathering feedback to better understand current needs, identify gaps in services and programs, and develop recommendations for the future.

Whether you’re an individual with a disability, a family member, an unpaid caregiver, an educator or a service provider, your perspective matters. Take 5–10 minutes to complete the anonymous survey and help inform the work ahead.

Survey closes December 2, 2026.

Learn more and take the survey here: bit.ly/HoCo-CoD

11/13/2026

Have plans for tomorrow? Well, now you do! 😎

Spend a couple of hours laughing, learning and picking up practical tips for living a little greener at this live, interactive, eco-educational experience featuring the Mixed Vegetables Improv Group.

Saturday, November 14 | 3–5 p.m.
@ The Loan Closet of Howard County

Few spots remain, so call a friend and register here: bit.ly/HoCoGreenSceneImprov

11/12/2026

🎀 Let’s BOW, ! 🎀

Give your holiday gifts, wreaths and seasonal decorations a little extra personality! Join for a hands-on bow-making class where you'll learn simple techniques for creating beautiful bows in a variety of ribbon styles.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, you'll leave with handmade creations and tips and tricks you can use all year long!

November 19 | 10–11 a.m.
Elkridge 50+ Center
$6 per person | All materials included!

Register today: bit.ly/HoCo-BowMaking

11/11/2026

A Veterans Day celebration with a soundtrack!

The United States Army Field Band Saxophone Quartet is bringing its talent to ’s Bain 50+ center for a special performance in honor of Veterans Day. The celebrated Army musicians perform for audiences across the country, and now you can experience their music right here in .

Enjoy an hour of music, community and connection as we recognize those who have served our country. Light refreshments will be available. Advance registration required: bit.ly/HoCo-VeteransDayBain

November 18, 6–7 p.m.
Bain 50+ Center
5470 Ruth Keeton Way
Columbia, 21044

11/10/2026

Helping our come together this Thanksgiving.

is continuing its annual Thanksgiving Food Support event, bringing staff, volunteers and community partners together to help local families access food for the holiday.

If your family could use a little extra support this Thanksgiving, join us on Tuesday, November 24, from 4:30–6:30 p.m.* at one of our three distribution sites:
• North Laurel Community Center
• Deep Run Elementary School
• Wilde Lake High School

One food basket per family, but there's plenty of gratitude and community spirit to go around. We hope to see you there!

*All locations will distribute food baskets while supplies last. All are welcome. No registration required.

11/10/2026

A reminder for our that all Howard County Government offices will be closed tomorrow, November 11, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.

For a complete list of what's open and closed on November 11, check out our "Veterans Day Holiday Closings" events webpage at www.howardcountymd.gov/VeteransDay2026.

11/09/2026

Our Boys. Our Men. Our Future.

Join and community partners for a FREE, family-friendly Health & Wellness Fair focused on fatherhood, fitness, mentoring and community connection!

November 21, 10a.m.–Noon
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center

Enjoy health and wellness resources, fitness activities, giveaways and more! Come connect, learn and give back in !

The event will also accept donations to the Men’s Shelter at Grassroots. Bring a new, unopened donation to Harriet Tubman Cultural Center from November 2–21. Check Grassroots’ current needs list here: grassrootscrisis.org/current-needs/

11/06/2026

What would your team do if they noticed something concerning?

training from can help your staff recognize potential signs of human trafficking and learn how to respond safely.

FREE trainings are available for businesses and community organizations in .

Request a training today: bit.ly/DCRSRequest

11/04/2026

Tech questions? There’s a support group for that!

The Tech Support Group offers a relaxed, friendly space to share experiences, ask questions and pick up helpful tips. From apps and social media to streaming and more, no question is too simple!

It’s also a great opportunity to meet volunteer Walter Seymour, recently inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, who will lead the discussion alongside Pauli Kohberger.

November 23 | 1–2 p.m.
Elkridge 50+ Center
6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, MD 21075

Bring your device and your questions! Register here: bit.ly/HoCo-AgingTechGroup

11/03/2026

New ideas for your classroom start here!

This month, ’ Child Care Resource Center ( ) is offering professional learning workshops to help early childhood educators better understand, support and engage the children in their care.

Explore topics like creating positive learning environments, understanding children’s temperaments, supporting children with ADHD, building inclusive classrooms and more! With both virtual and in-person options, there are lots of ways to learn, share ideas and strengthen your practice.

Explore November’s workshops and find your next learning opportunity here: bit.ly/HoCo-ProviderTrainings

Address

9830 Patuxent Woods Drive
Columbia, MD
21046

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

http://www.howardcountymd.gov/communityresources, https://www.instagram.com/hococommunity/, https://www.youtube.com/@hoc

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.