Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced Monday a series of programs to help federal workers facing financial hardship from the ongoing government shutdown, including foreclosure prevention aid, food distribution, and utility assistance.

Foreclosure prevention and housing aid

Howard County residents who are two to six months behind on mortgage payments and earn no more than 100% of the county's area median income can now apply for help through the county's Foreclosure Prevention Program, the county said.

The county recently lowered the eligibility threshold, so residents can apply after missing two mortgage payments, rather than three.

Ball said the county continues to use $1 million from the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund to keep residents in their homes. Over the past 18 m

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