Local
Howard County commits $175,000 to keep 50 young people housed
A county investment will help Point Source Youth provide flexible cash assistance and housing support to 50 young people facing an imminent risk of homelessness. The county is covering half of the program’s $350,000 cost.
Howard County is putting $175,000 toward a Point Source Youth program intended to help 50 young people avoid homelessness, County Executive Calvin Ball announced Oct. 14.
The Targeted Housing Assistance Program will provide participants with one-time cash payments averaging $3,500, along with help finding and maintaining safe housing. The county’s contribution covers half of the program’s $350,000 budget.
The flexible funds can help address immediate expenses such as overdue rent or a security deposit, according to Point Source Youth. Participants will work with trained providers to create individualized plans and can receive housing navigation, case management and financial coaching as needed.
Ball said the county is partnering with the organization as part of its effort to make homelessness “brief, rare, and non-recurring.” He described the program’s approach as youth-centered and said it gives young people support and tools to work toward stability.
The investment directs public funding toward preventing housing loss before it becomes homelessness. The announcement did not specify when participants can apply or how they will be selected.