Partial update May 10, 2012

Bethesda's free summer weekly concert program is back. It will run through July. The concerts take place every Thursday evening, 6 - 8 pm, at Veterans Park, at the corner of Norfolk and Woodmont Avenues. See the full schedule.

RESOURCE FAIR FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES: Free fair Sat., May 19, 9-1pm at Silver Spring Civic Bldg., One Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, 240-777-1216 or http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/specialed/. Families learn about support services for individuals with disabilities and their families.

FSS FAMILY FUN - FREE BBQ and MORE at Wheaton Regional Park: This special annual party is on Sat. May 12th, 11:00-2:30 (family photos taken only from 11:30-12:30). Come and enjoy games, face painting, crafts, balloon critters, Steppers, train/carousel and BBQ lunch is at noon. See flier. Everyone Come!! RSVP to 240-773-9393, give number of adults and children.

Bernie Scholorship Awards Program, May 24, 5:30 pm, Montgomery County Council Building

BUDGET/CREDIT SEMINARS: HOC’s Financial Counselor, Luis Montoya has these at HOC’s Kensington office:
Watt Watchers I—Energy Conservation—May 2, 10am
Watt Watchers II—Energy Conservation—May 23, 10am
Dates are subject to change: Call 240-773-9066

PREKINDERGARTEN/HEAD START: 301-230-0676. Families apply for fall. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/earlychildhood/prek/registration.aspx

SUMMER CAMP: On June 18 the Montgomery County Recreation Department (MCRD) will have applications and financial assistance forms available to register for summer camps at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec . On July 1 MCRD will have money available for financial assistance for those who qualify. For info, call MCRD at 240-777-6840. HOC residents with a balance with the Recreation Department have been sent letters notifying them to use the money in their account by July 1st. A client list sorted by Resident Counselor is available to follow up with clients to ensure they're aware of unspent balances.

JOB RECRUITMENT FAIRS:
Wheaton Montgomery Works One Stop has 15 recruitment fairs every month with employers looking to hire! Call 301-946-1806; or see www.montgomeryworks.com.

FAFSA: Know the deadlines for your state/school's application. State financial aid deadline is March 1st! Montgomery College's FAFSA deadline is May 15 for fall 2012. Apply early at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. MC's Educational Opportunities Ctr. offers assistance with completing the FAFSA and anything else related to college enrollment. Call 240-567-5644. For MC's Financial Aid office see http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/tuition.aspx?urlid=10

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

• Check here for service locations.
• Transportation is on this separate page. WMATA and Ride-On: Download the procedures for Transportation Assistance as of February 2011 by clicking here.
• Resources on starting and owning a business are on the career page.
• For buying (or renting) a home, check the section of the resource page on home ownership.
• This separate page explains the process of eviction and avoiding it.
• Note that the page of Local Resources has a large section on children and families.
• This page gives general information on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• Connect with major service providers.

Parent Resource Centers (PRC's):
Children's Resource Center 301-279-8497, 332 W. Edmonston Dr. Rm. D-4, Rockville.
Millian Memorial United Methodist Church 301-933-3646, 13016 Parkland Dr., Rockville.
Emory Grove Family Resource Ctr. 301-990-6438, 8107 Morningview Dr., Gaithersburg.
Gwendolyn R. Coffield Community Center, Silver Spring, 202-359-9918.

      listed February 16, 2012

INTERFAITH CLOTHING CENTER: Effective March 5th, new hours: Tues.-Fri., 9:30am-12pm & 1pm-3:30pm Sat., 9:30am-1:30pm Wed. is reserved only for disabled. CLOSED Mon. & Sun.

      listed November 17, 2011

NEW PAYMENT STANDARDS: The new Fair Market Rent standards (lower than currently) go into effect when you move or at your next recertification, whichever comes first.

• 1 Bedroom   $1,328
• 2 Bedrooms $1,506
• 3 Bedrooms $1,943
• 4 Bedrooms $2,542

CASA de Maryland: Enid Gonzales, Legal Program Director, 240-491-5716, urges families to call her for lists of honest, good lawyers. (Avoid frauds taking advantage of immigrants). CASA provides legal help with housing, employment, and consulting services regarding immigration.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY: New address - BCC Services Bldg., 4805 Edgemoor La., 2nd floor, Bethesda. [Among other services, helps parents with children's school Individualized Education Programs (IEP's)] New phone 301-652-0717 or 0718; www.crcmc.org

      listed October 16, 2011

UNIQUE THRIFT STORE: $20 coupons for each family member as needed! Contact case manager.

THE HEALTH INTEGRATION PROJECT (HIP): Family Services, Inc. and Threshold Services, Inc. are partnering with Community Clinic, Inc., (CCI) to integrate primary care services for clients with serious mental illnesses. For info contact Jenny Crawford 301-840-3200.

SUPPORT FOR SINGLE MOTHERS: Raising Him Alone offers parenting strategies, resources, etc. See www.raisinghimalone.com or 1-877-339-4300.

      listed September 16, 2011

THE CHOICE PROGRAM: Due to loss of funding, this program has closed.

DAYCARE ASSISTANT TRAINING: Centro Nia offers free training! Call 301-543-8040.

Kids Ride Free (on County Ride-On buses and certain Metrobus routes) resumed July 1. See the press release for details.

NEW SERVICES FOR TCA RECIPIENTS: DHR has approved grants to pay for GED testing fees for TCA customers beginning July 1st. They also approved early childhood education training through Montgomery College effective July 1st. Call 240-777-1799.

      listed July 19, 2011

The Commission for Women Counseling and Career Center closed on June 30, 2011 as a result of reductions in Montgomery County's budget. The office of the Commission for Women will be included in the newly created Community Engagement Cluster. The office will be housed in the Rockville Library building where it will share administrative staff support, equipment, supplies and space with the other entities included in that Cluster.

INTERNET: Comcast is offering a low cost internet fee for families if their child receives free school lunches; you must not have had internet service within the last 90 days or have any unreturned equipment, and you must be current with your bill. For info call 1-855-846-8376 or see www.internetessentials.com/index.html.

DISCOUNT SHOPPING [Using these programs requires some form of registration]:
See
www.Refinery29.com;
www.LivingSocial.com; [Requires that you give your email address and receive their messages.]
www.Groupon.com;
www.thecapitoldeal.com [Requires that you give your email address and receive their messages.]

      listed June 25, 2011

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE CENTERS: For anyone needing help with temporary cash assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, eviction prevention and utility disconnections, income energy program and rental assistance, etc.
- Zip codes of 20877 should go to Gaithersburg Neighborhood Service Center, 301-840-4080, 602 East Diamond Ave. Mon. & Fri. 2pm-5:30pm.
- Zip codes 20902 and 20906 go to Wheaton Neighborhood Service Center, 301-942-1790, 12247 Georgia Ave., Wed. & Fri. 9am-3pm.
- All other zip codes go to HHS offices.

      listed April 12, 2011

ENERGY SUPPLIER CHOICES: Participants have the option to switch gas or electric suppliers. They call 1-800-207-4055 or www.opc.state.md.us. Those receiving EUSP or MEAP can't apply their grants to electric supplier bills.

      listed January 20, 2011

EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR HOC at the HOC Gaithersburg Customer Service Center are by appointment only! 240-773-8813. See September listing.

Check out E-FILE FOR FREE 2010 TAX RETURN: www.freefile.irs.gov. A number of options for receiving free help in filing income tax are given on this page (in pdf).

      listed November 22, 2010

MARYLAND MONEY HELP LINE: State-wide financial ed. program for low-moderate income residents in Baltimore and Montgomery County is available 6 days/week staffed by accredited credit counselors. See http://mdcash.org/ or email cpalmer@cc-md.org for info.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION FOR TEENS: See www.drawingtheline.org or call 301-718-2467.

BULLYING: See the National Center for Bullying Prevention at pacer.org/bullying/index.asp, also www.tolerance.org.

      listed November 1, 2010

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: ESL learners get free use of Mango Learning with library card! Go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/libraries/index.asp. Under "Find Books and More," click on Language Learning Tools; click on Mango Learning; then enter your library card number and PIN.

      listed September 2, 2010

AFFORDABLE DENTURES: See www.affordabledentures.com and put in your zip code to find a local dentist.

HOC's CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER (CSC) hours have changed: Both GCSC and SSCSC are open 8am-5pm Mon. thru Fri.

Gaithersburg CSC 101 Lakeforest Blvd. #200 240-773-9009 Zip codes: 20832, 20833, 20837, 20841, 20850, 20851, 20852, 20853, 20854, 20855, 20857, 20860, 20868, 20871, 20872, 20874, 20876, 20877

Silver Spring CSC 8241 Georgia Ave., 3rd Floor 240-773-9009 Zip codes: 20705, 20814, 20815, 20816, 20817, 20866, 20895, 20901, 20902, 20903, 20904, 20905, 20906, 20910, 20912

The GILCHRIST CENTER FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY (formerly at 11319 Elkin St., Wheaton) has moved to the following two new locations:

Wheaton Library 1st Floor 11701 Georgia Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902 Office Hours: Tuesday thru Thursday: 4:30 - 7 Saturday: 10 am - 2 pm

Mid-County Regional Services Center 2424 Reedie Drive, Suite 220 Wheaton, MD 20902 Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday: 9 am - 4 pm

The Upcounty office continues at 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874. The Gilchrist Center offers citizenship and language classes, advice on starting a business, and referral information. Call 240-777-4940 for the current status.

CLOTHES: C-4 Clothes Closet, Silver Spring 301-989-8742. ICS, Rockville, 301-424-3796.

MC311: Have a question about services offered by Montgomery County? Call 311, see www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

CONSERVATION CORPS: Closed Oct. 30.

RIDE-ON CHANGES: Youth Cruiser (up to age 18) monthly pass is $11. The transfer period is now 2 hours, not 3; no more Code Red Ride free. New fare is $1.70

YOUTH AIMING FOR CAREERS PROGRAM: Public Housing children 14-17, call Angela Tucker 240-370-9444 or 240-773-9003 for info.

FAMILIES FOREMOST: For ESOL classes with childcare and support regarding healthy families and children, see www.mhamc.org, 301-585-3424 or 301-424-0656.

      listed May 3, 2010

DHHS: For inquiries regarding program policies and/or case management issues, call Detrice Brown at 240-777-1089. For outreach opportunities or other program questions, call JoAnne Becka 240-777-1165.

      listed April 13, 2010

View this Youtube video on the Educational Opportunity Center of Montgomery College [6-1/2 minutes long].

      listed March 24, 2010

Note that 7-17-year-olds can attend any National Philharmonic performance free by calling 301-581-5100, The Music Center at Strathmore Hall for tickets.
www.strathmore.org or www.nationalphilharmonic.org.

      listed January 15, 2010

Regarding the W-4: See www.Paycheckcity.com; click "Form W-4 Assistant" for help regarding federal tax withholding.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN and FAMILIES: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/earlychi/

GUIDEBOOK FOR REFUGEES: It is free in various languages at www.cal.org/co/publications/welcome.html

Thinking about higher education and taxes? Check this IRS publication about the American Opportunity Tax Credit.

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS: SSI recipients have either 1619A (medical assistance and SSI $$) or 1619B (medical assistance only). When they become employed, their SSI $$ is reduced, but they keep medical assistance if earning less than about $25,000/year. They must use the medical assistance each year or will lose it and must file claims quickly. See www.socialsecurity.gov.

      listed November 25, 2009

AT-RISK YOUTH: Our House in Brookeville MD trains males 16-21 in carpentry, finishing high school, becoming independent, etc. Parents call 301-519- 1019 or www.our-house.org.

FREE SAFELINK WIRELESS PHONE: Families who receive EUSP, MEAP, medical assistance, food stamps, public assistance to adults, SSI, TCA, TDA qualify for this phone. See www.safelinkwireless.com.

JOB SEARCH FOR DISABLED: St. Luke's Back to Work program helps those who receive SSI or SSDI.

      listed October 27, 2009

HEAD START: For 3- or 4-year-olds, call 301-230-0676; for 2 and under, call 301-937-1700 (Rockville, Wheaton) or 301-840-2000 (Gaithersburg).

Etreev operates to provide accessible, environmentally-friendly solutions for companies to distribute unneeded belongings, making it possible to obtain DISCOUNT GOODS: 271-228-4243, www.etreev.com/home.aspx

MONTGOMERY WORKS' NEW OFFICE: Lakeforest Mall office has moved to 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Ger., 240-777-2050, open Mon.-Thurs. 8:30-5pm, Fri. 8:30-3pm.

      listed September 21, 2009

NEW YOUTH PROGRAM (Public Housing Only): Youth Aiming for Careers, for ages 14-17 and looking for education support, free driving lessons, training in job search, computer skills or financial management, Angela Tucker 240-773-9003.

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness has moved to 11718 Parklawn Dr., Rockville; their thrift shop is next door at 11720.

      listed July 29, 2009

If you need a form to apply for federal employment, it may be available on the OPM website.

PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING: Life Skills Workshop's clothing open house is every 3rd Tues. (or by appointment). Call St. Luke's House, 301-530-0788.

      listed May 25, 2009

Boys to Men of Greater Washington specializes in creating safe circles where boys ages 13-17 can talk about the events, emotions, and experiences of their lives. For more info, call 240-675-6199 or 703-757-9493 or see www.boystomen.org.

      listed April 27, 2009

COMPUTER LEARNING and RESOURCE CTR.: New address: 12301 Old Columbia Pike, #220, Silver Spring. For anyone with mental health issues 301-622-6007 www.clarcinc.org

      listed February 21,2009

CROSSROADS YOUTH OPPORTUNITY CENTER: 7676 New Hampshire Ave. #411, Takoma Park, 301-422-1270. Free services Mon.-Fri. 12-9pm and Sat. 11am-3pm: Youth development and tutoring, family building program for Latino parents, African-American Male Empowerment Network Program, one-on-one mentoring, retreats/recreational opportunities, job training and placement, group support for incarcerated youth, re-entry case management, relocation and safety planning; individual, group and family therapy, case management and referral services, legal support and representation.


      listed November 21, 2008

GANG PREVENTION: County-wide program: Director Luis Cardona 240-777-1001; Robert Brown, 240-372-3876 Germantown; Cindy Bustillo 240-372-3588 Silver Spring; Alex Arevalo 240-372-3625 Wheaton. They have many ways of addressing problems/preventing problems.

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES: For inexpensive food (OK to pay with food stamps), http://angelfoodministries.com or 301-927-4674 Brentwood; 301-401-8719 Frederick.

FREE LIFE INSURANCE: LifeBridge provides free $50,000 term life insurance. Read more on this page.

      listed October 23, 2008

Kill-A-Watt meter Loan Program This will help you understand how much energy appliances and electronics use. Now on loan through the Rockville Library, 240-777-0140, and through Bethesda Green, 240-396-2440 ext 102 or 301-767-7222.

      listed September 29, 2008

The website for Wider Opportunities for Women shows the Self-Sufficiency Standard for Maryland 2007. See pages 43 and following for Montgomery County.

      listed August 25, 2008

FOOD STAMPS' EMPLOYMENT and TRAINING PROGRAM (FSET) was expanded to fund job retention services. Previously funds could only be used to provide training and supports leading to work; now service providers can provide up to 90-day follow-up on job retention services. Please call 410-234-8303; see www.workforcealliance.org for more info.

      listed May 1, 2008

COMPARE CELL-PHONE SERVICE PLANS: See www.Letstalk.com; click on "Service Plans" and enter your zip code. Click on the features desired and select the plans to view side by side in order to compare different companies.

      listed February 15, 2008

WEIGHT WATCHERS: Encourage participants to BEGIN or RENEW their sessions (240-773-9393). They CAN lose weight! It costs $50 for 10 weeks (they may use a Repayment Agreement).

VOUCHER FAMILIES' FSS HOUSING SPECIALISTS-:
All HCV specialists handle FSS families. For the list of specialists with their phone numbers and assignments, click here.

      listed February 5, 2008

COMPUTERS.

on how to get a computer and connect to the Internet.

      listed November 29, 2007

FAMILY PLANNING and PHYSICAL EXAMS: The Teen and Young Adult Connection in downtown Silver Spring provides very low-cost services to those 12-35 years of age for family planning, counseling, free STD testing, free condoms, and physical exams for work/school. 301-565- 0914 (x106 for Molly Love).

      listed August 29, 2007

An EMPLOYMENT GUIDE FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS is available in English, French and Spanish, 240-777-8330 or email paula.rodgers@montgomerycountymd.gov.

      listed February 14, 2007

CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER: CRCMC offers help with conflicts in the workplace, family, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and organizations. 301-942-7700 or www.crcmc.org.

FREE 411 INFO CALLS: Call 1-888-373-3411 or 1-800-373-3411.

      listed January 10, 2006

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS: See www.familywelfare.umaryland.edu (Family Welfare Research and Training Group)

      listed November 1, 2005

PORTING OUT FROM HOC:
Families who want to move out of Montgomery County with their Section 8 voucher and want to continue in the FSS Program should:
- inform FSS Coordinator Nancy Scull of the receiving housing agency's name and phone number, so she can inquire if they have an FSS Program and will accept an incoming portable
- complete HOC's Relocation Request form
- get re-issued a voucher
- complete HOC's Request to Transfer to Another Housing Authority, so HOC can inquire if they will accept an incoming Section 8 voucher family.
HOC's portability staff are Ida Koram, Amy Justice and Lisa Takounakis.

Check here for service locations.

Earlier listings of "points" might be valid, and they are kept on this separate page. Check on their status before trying to use a service.

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