FY 26 Proposed Operating Budget Book

HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES

ORIGIN & PURPOSE: The Department of Community Services was established pursuant to Chapter 16, Article IV, Section 22 of the Harford County Code. In June of 2023 Executive Order 23-08 reorganized the department and changed the name to the Department of Housing and Community Services. The Department of Housing and Community Services provides advocacy and services to enhance the quality of life for all county citizens. The Department partners with governments, nonprofits, faith-based communities, businesses, and citizens to identify and address the needs of Harford County residents and their neighborhoods. Divisions include the following: Harford County Housing Agency; Community Development; Office of Human Relations; Office of Children, Youth, and Families; Office of Disability Services; Office on Aging; Office of Drug Control Policy; Southern County Taskforce; and Harford Transit LINK. Working together, the divisions help to connect individuals and families with resources to meet specific challenges in their daily lives, ensure every household has safe, decent affordable housing, and provide a support network to help Harford County residents remain safe, healthy, and productive members of our community. MISSION STATEMENT: To strengthen our families and communities by serving as the premier resource for human services in Harford County, and to continuously improve the network of available services to ensure efficient, effective, and proactive assistance for all Harford County citizens. GOALS: To promote affordable housing opportunities for low-moderate income households, the elderly, and disabled To create viable communities by creating partnership programs that improve the quality of life for our citizens To investigate complaints of unlawful discrimination To provide advocacy and support for youth and family programs To increase partnerships and collaborations with the disability community and provide opportunities for citizens of all ages and abilities To connect and provide seniors and caretakers with resources and guidance that promote healthy lifestyles To raise awareness about opiate use and to develop evidence-based strategies to prepare, prevent, and respond to the opioid epidemic To provide access to safe, dependable, and effective transportation

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