Harford County: Resources available to families impacted by federal government shutdown
On October 28, Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) compiled a comprehensive directory of resources to support families impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown. This resource aims to connect community members in need with critical services including food assistance, financial support, and mental health care.
Federal employees who have been furloughed, contractors without work, and families with reduced or interrupted benefits now have access to a coordinated network of local and state resources.
“Our community takes care of its own,” said Dr. Sean Bulson, Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools. “During this potentially challenging time, we want every family to know that help is available and there is absolutely no shame in reaching out for support. These resources exist for exactly these kinds of situations.”
Key Resources Available
Food Assistance Programs
HCPS is directing families to multiple food assistance options, including the National School Lunch Program for free and reduced-price meals, a network of food pantries operating throughout the county on varied schedules, and Thanksgiving meal programs at numerous locations. HCPS has also directed families to reach out to the Department of Social Services for more information on local initiatives designed to help families in need of food support and ways to reach those supports.
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Financial Support Services
The Maryland Department of Human Services offers Temporary Cash Assistance for families experiencing emergencies. The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) provides assistance with utility costs. Additional financial support is available through local organizations including the Salvation Army and United Way.
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Mental Health and Comprehensive Social Services
Through HCPS’s partnership with Care Solace, all students, staff, and families have access to free, confidential mental health care coordination 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in more than 200 languages. Care Solace specialists can help connect families with mental health providers and other social services including food, housing, and medical care.
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Federal Worker Support
HCPS has also directed families to visit the State of Maryland’s website, where there is a dedicated resource page for federal employees and contractors affected by the shutdown. The page, available at https://response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/shutdown, provides information about unemployment benefits, emergency loans, and other support services.
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Additionally, HCPS shared information on the United Way’s 211 service, which provides an additional point of contact for families seeking assistance. A full list of support available to Harford County Public Schools families was shared directly with the families of all 37,000 students and posted on all HCPS school websites and https://hcps.org/.
Harford County Public Schools encourages all families in need to reach out for support if necessary.
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More Government Shutdown Resources
Available to Marylanders
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Also see: Trump Administration sued for unlawfully suspending SNAP benefits to 42 million Americans ~ Ace News Today, 10/28/2025
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(Source: HCPS)
(Cover photo of Helping Hand, Image credit: X)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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