Community Resources
Hope Works: https://hopeworksofhc.org/
Hope Works is a community organization dedicated to empowering and representing individuals to overcome challenges. They focus on providing support and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence, harassment, abuse and domestic violence. They provide a safe and confidential space where victims access counseling and crisis intervention as well as legal advocacy. The organization works to empower survivors and help them promote justice.
House of Ruth: https://hruth.org/
House of Ruth is a non-profit organization that offers services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. It offers emergency shelter for women and children fleeing from abusive situations. The organization runs a legal clinic that helps victims obtain protective orders and navigate cases under the legal rights. Additionally, they offer counseling and therapy for survivors to help them with their emotional recovery and stability.
- Contact: 410.889.7884 24/7 Crisis Hotline
- House of Ruth Maryland Domestic Violence Legal Clinic Toll-Free Legal Hotline: 1-888-880-7884
- House of Ruth Maryland Domestic Violence Legal Clinic Main Office: (410) 554-8463
Grassroots: Home - https://grassrootscrisis.org/
Grassroots Crisis Intervention is a 24-hour service organization in Central Maryland that provides immediate help for people facing mental health crises, homelessness and substance use issues. It offers 24/7 hotline, walk-in assistance and chat crisis as well as emergency shelter for individuals facing any challenges. The organization also includes outpatient mental health clinic where an individual can have free in-person therapy and medication management appointments within 48 hours. Contact: 410-531-667 Crisis Line
- Call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Chat with 988 Counselor
Johns Hopkins Medicine, Howard County: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns-hopkins-howard-county
John Hopkins Medicine Medical Center offers various medical services to individuals including emergency care, maternity, and other services that someone might need. The medical center also provides forensic medical examinations through its Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE). Registered nurses conduct thorough medical-forensic examinations including evidence collection, documentation of injuries and provision of emergency care.
- Contact: 410-740-7890
- Address: 5755 Cedar Lane Columbia, MD 21044
The Circuit Court of Howard County: https://www.courts.state.md.us/
The Circuit Court of Howard County handle case filings and maintains records for civil, criminal, juvenile, and family law cases. It provides legal assistance for individuals without attorneys. While they do not represent clients in court, they can help with understanding legal documents, completing forms and preparing for court proceedings. Contact: 410-260-1392
- For Legal Reference Questions: library@mdcourts.gov
- For legal and court information: 410-260-1392
Howard County Police: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/police
The Howard County Police Department (HCPD) serves the community by responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, maintaining public records, and promoting community engagement. HCPD also has a Victim Assistance Section that supports individuals affected by crimes. This unit offers emotional support, crisis intervention, help with legal paperwork, and accompaniment to court. Contact: 410-313-3200
- Emergency: 911
MHEC Title IX Legal Assistance for Campus Sexual Assault Proceedings: https://mhec.maryland.gov/Pages/Title-IX-Campus-Sexual-Assault-Proceedings---Attorney-List.aspx
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) maintains a Title IX Campus Sexual Assault Proceedings program under which it publishes a list of attorneys who are willing to represent in campus sexual assault cases either pro bono or at reduced fees. The list of attorneys can be found here: https://mhec.maryland.gov/SiteAssets/Pages/Title-IX-Campus-Sexual-Assault-Proceedings---Attorney-List/Title%20IX%20Attorney%20List.pdf