Community Agencies and Services
This section contains information about a variety of community resources that help people connect to their communities and do not rely on funding from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
You may find these resources useful as you look for services. In addition, many other helpful resources are listed in the Service Coordination Resource Guide to Services for People with Developmental Disabilities: Carroll County Edition
HousingCarroll County Bureau of Housing: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/housing/default.asp
Department of Housing and Community Development
(410) 848-6748 in Westminster, 410-386-3600 (elsewhere in Carroll County)
The Section 8 Program provides funding for housing for individuals and families with low incomes. Individuals and families pay 30% of gross income for rent and utilities in approved apartments, and the housing authority pays the rest.
Rental Assistance and Affordable Housing Efforts
(410) 848-9000
http://www.westgov.com/housing/hprent.asp
Information for the City of Westminster.
The Rental Allowance Program (RAP)
Helps people with low income who are capable of living on their own and have an emergency need for housing (such as being homeless, forced to leave home due to fire or lead paint hazards, or are being physically abused by someone they live with). If eligible, the program pays a monthly amount to the landlord based on family size, and that amount is taken off the person's rent. NOTE: The apartment must first pass inspection, or RAP will not pay. The person should not sign a lease until the apartment passes the RAP inspection.
For more information, click on Service Coordination’s Housing Fact Sheet.
EducationCarroll County Family Support Center
(410) 857-0629
Adult Basic Ed, GED, parenting skills, employability skills, health education.
Carroll Community College
(410) 386-8100, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157
Classes in basic reading, writing and math skills for adults.
Student Support Services and Carroll Adult Learning Connections
(410) 751-3680, 224 N. Center St, Westminster, MD 21157
http://www.carrollk12.org/instruction/studentservices/index.htm
Classes in basic reading, writing and math skills for adults.
The Literacy Council
(410) 857-0766, 255 Clifton Blvd. Westminster, MD 21157
Offers free tutoring in basic reading skills, but can take time to secure a tutor.
Job Training Partnership Administration (JTPA)
(410) 857-2693, 125 N. Court St., Westminster, MD 21157
Provides some training in reading and math skills for people they assist in getting job skills and jobs.
McDaniel College – Student Academic Support Services
(410) 857-2504
Multiple ResourcesProvides support for students with documented disabilities.
Carroll County Children with Special Health Care Needs Resource List: http://www.fha.state.md.us/genetics/html/special_care_map.cfm
Human Services Programs of Carroll County
http://www.hspinc.org/
RecreationProvides a variety of assistance to people in Carroll County. Community Service Directory is available at: http://www.community.carr.org/. Emergency Services information: http://www.hspinc.org/Emergency%20Services.htm
Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks
(410) 386-2103, 225 North Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157
Ask for information about activities and recreation centers in your area, or Special Olympics: http://www.carrollbiz.org/html/parksrecreation.html
Maryland Calendar of Events
Toll free: 866-639-3526
www.MdWelcome.org
YMCA
(410) 848-3660, 1719 Sykesville Road, Westminster, MD 21157: http://www.carrollcountyymca.com/
Piney Run Park
(410) 795-3274, 30 Martz Road, Sykesville, MD 21784
Call for information about upcoming events.
For more information, click on Service Coordination’s Recreation and Leisure Fact Sheet.
TransportationMedical Assistance Transportation
Call Carroll Transit (CATS) (410-857-0080)
Usually covers transportation to and from services covered by Medical Assistance, such as medical appointments and medical daycare. Wheelchair accessible vans are provided if necessary.
Senior Overland Service/CATS
(410) 857-0080
Provides rides to and from senior citizen centers for $1, and to and from other locations for $2 to $10 (depending on distance).
Reduced Fare Tickets:
Bureau of Aging
410-386-3800People who are elderly or have disabilities can apply for a reduced fare tickets by calling Bureau of Aging.
The Taxi Voucher Program
(410) 386-3800Provides reduced-fee vouchers to pay for taxi rides for people who are elderly or have disabilities. Fee is based on income.