ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — When there’s a disaster such as the flooding in Ellicott City, Maryland, some people feel inspired to donate something — and in this case, Howard County hopes it’s cash.
The redistribution of tangible items can create logistical problems, but the Community Foundation of Howard County will accept cash donations for relief assistance on its website.
If you want to volunteer to help, there are numbers of ways to be useful.
Howard County is organizing longer-term efforts that will begin once it’s safe for people to begin entering impacted areas.
More immediately, places such as St. Peter’s Episcopal Church could use help now.
“We will need people to work in shifts [Wednesday] serving food, being available, helping people load their cars with supplies and what they need,” said St. Peter’s priest-in-charge, Rev. Anjel Scarborough.
The church is not receiving donations of clothing for distribution, but instead suggests gift cards of $20 for places such as Wal-Mart and Target, so people can buy clothes in their children’s sizes.
St. Peter’s is at 3695 Rogers Ave. and Main Street, which is just uphill from the flood-devastated area of Old Town.
On its Facebook page, the church is offering flood victims hot meals, bottled water, toiletries, cleaning supplies such as gloves, bleach and beach towels in addition to shovels, work gloves and wheelbarrows. There also are phone charging stations and free Wi-Fi.
All are welcome.
“People are people and this is how we build a community of love as God would want for all of us,” Scarborough said.
Find everything you need to know about Howard County recovery efforts in Ellicott City on the county’s website.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced on Tuesday that state agencies are joining local agencies to staff a Disaster Assistance Center in Ellicott City. It opened at noon on May 29 at the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services Ellicott City 50+ Center at 9401 Frederick Road.
The Disaster Assistance Center is intended to be a one-stop resource for Howard County residents affected by the flooding. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The following state agencies will be there to help:
- Maryland Insurance Administration
- Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
- Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
- Maryland Department of Human Services
- State Department of Assessment and Taxation
- Maryland Department of Disabilities
“This is a difficult time for many of our citizens in Howard County, and our administration is committed to helping provide the necessary support and assistance as they begin to recover from this devastating event,” Gov. Hogan said in a press release. “Our state agencies will continue to work in partnership with Howard County to ensure residents and business owners have access to the resources they need.”
WTOP’s Sarah Gibson contributed to this report.
