Montgomery County introduces $7.75 million aid package for food, housing and nonprofit support
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Summary
Council members introduced a $7.75 million supplemental appropriation to expand local food assistance, nonprofit capacity grants, short-term housing help, LGBTQI+ service funding and economic development move grants, with public hearing and action scheduled for Nov. 18. Sponsors said the funds respond to federal disruptions to SNAP and other aid.
Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart and colleagues introduced a $7.75 million public-service support package on Nov. 4 intended to shore up food assistance, nonprofit capacity and short-term housing as federal benefit disruptions reverberate locally.
The resolution, introduced for formal public hearing and action on Nov. 18, would allocate $3.5 million to the Office of Food System Resilience for food assistance, $2.25 million for community partner support grants, $1.0 million to increase the county's SHARP short-term housing program, $500,000 to support the county's LGBTQI+ community center (the MOCO Bridal Center) and $500,000 for economic development move grants.
Why it matters: Council leaders said the package aims to fill immediate needs while nonprofit partners and state funding adjust to federal-level changes. Councilmember Gabe Albanese and others described the package as both a material lifeline for residents and signal that local government will act to respond to growing community need.
Council discussion and next steps: Several council members urged increasing specific line items; Councilmember Lorraine Sales proposed an amendment to increase the Office of Food Systems Resilience allocation and to add additional funds for Casa (immigrant service provider) and identity-centered services. Stewart said the council will consider amendments during the public hearing and action on Nov. 18. Officials said nonprofit Montgomery and a coalition of providers have been consulted in drafting the package.
Administration note: County departments have begun coordination on program design and outreach; the executive's office and Office of Food System Resilience expected some providers to be contacted immediately to stand up distributions should the council approve funding.
What council members asked: Members asked about coordination with state and philanthropic funds, how to prioritize grantees, and asked staff to ensure language permitting clear allowable uses and reporting on outcomes.
Follow-up: Public hearing and action are scheduled for Nov. 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Council staff said detailed program guidance and a proposed amendment from Councilmember Sales would be posted before that meeting.