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The recent economic slump has been hard on millions of Americans, but there are programs out there that can help you and your family recover. This guide will help you find services that are available to Marylanders affected by the slowdown in the economy.
GovBenefits.gov is the official U.S. government benefits website with information on over 1000 benefit and assistance programs.
Visit SAIL, from the Maryland Department of Human Resources. SAIL lets you see the benefits you and your family qualify for. You may be able to apply for Food Stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance and more. An application can be started online.
2-1-1 Maryland First Call For Help - The United Way of Central Maryland provides confidential information and referrals to health and human services in our area. They help with utility bills, emergency food and housing, eviction prevention, taxes, prescriptions and more. Just call 2-1-1 from any phone.
National Capitol Region 2-1-1 Database - Connect to hundreds of human service resources available in Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia simply by dialing 2-1-1.
Learning ServicesWorkforce Development and Adult - Information to help you find jobs, job fairs, training, and more. Their one-stop career centers are located all over the state. They help connect people with jobs, and jobs with people.
The Job and Career Information Center is the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s service for people who want to explore careers and look for jobs. The Center has job search resources, free résumé reviews, free classes for job seekers, and knowledgeable assistance in-person, by phone and email.
HUD information for Maryland residents. - A place to learn about solving your housing problems, with news that is local to Maryland. “HUD” is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Homelessness
HUD - Homeless Information: Maryland
Women’s Housing Coalition - A non-profit group that helps homeless women and children with housing problems. They also have health and educational support services.
Avoiding Foreclosure
HUD – foreclosure prevention
HUD - approved housing counseling agencies in Maryland
HUD - Rental Assistance - Apartment search help, tips for renters, information about tenant rights and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8),
Eviction
Maryland Landlord / Tenant Law - Learn about the law covering rental units in Maryland. This site is maintained by Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc. and Maryland Legal Aid.
They also have a Landlord - Tenant Helpline available. Call 410-243-6007 or 800-487-6007 for additional information.
COBRA (Continuation of Health Coverage) - Helps you continue your group health insurance for a limited time. If you have lost your job, had your hours cut, or are making your way through other difficult times, COBRA could help. A U.S. Department of Labor site.
Medicaid/Medical Assistance Overview - Maryland - A program that helps pay the bills of people who have low income and cannot afford medical care.
Maryland Children’s Health Program - Providing health care coverage to children of low-income families up to age 19, and to pregnant women of any age.
Baltimore City Clinics & Health Services - A directory of services offered by the Baltimore City Health Department.
Consumer Guide to Health Insurance-This guide from the Maryland Insurance Administration will help with choosing the right health plan and will provide answers about health claims.
Food Stamps
Apply in person at your local Department of Social Services or online through Maryland SAIL.
More information about Food Stamps (the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Maryland WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a supplemental nutrition program for eligible women, infants and children under the age of 5.
Food Pantries
Food Pantries and Shelters in Maryland Counties and Baltimore City.
Southern Maryland Food Bank - Serving residents of St. Mary's, Charles and Calvert counties at multiple locations.
Emergency Food Assistance Program - Distributing food supplies to emergency food pantries and needy households statewide. To apply contact your local organization.
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland - Serving Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties. Apply online or call 1-866-558-0827 toll free.
Unemployment Insurance in Maryland - You can file claims for new benefits, or connect to Webcert for continued claims. There are also answers to common questions about unemployment insurance and a directory of Maryland Department of Labor phone numbers.
Homeless Persons Representation Project - A non-profit group that offers legal services and representation if you are homeless or at risk of being homeless.
Maryland Legal Aid offers a full range of free civil legal services to financially qualified low-income Marylanders.
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service connects low-income Marylanders in need of civil legal assistance with pro bono (free) attorneys.
Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland - A list of programs that provide free civil legal services if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
People’s Law Library - Law-related, self-help information for Marylanders.
Taking the GED The Maryland Adult Literacy Resource Center has everything you need to prepare for and take the GED (High School Equivalency) test
If you need additional help locating social services in Maryland, there are a number of ways you can contact us:
Maryland Department
Enoch Pratt Free Library
Central Library, State Library Resource Center
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 396-5468
© Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, Maryland.
