Ellicott City Flood: Message from Dr. Hetherington

The college community is once again saddened that Howard County’s beloved Ellicott City Main Street flooded over the weekend. It was devastating to see the dramatic photos and video of homes and businesses overwhelmed with water. Our hearts go out to the flooding victims.

As the recovery process begins, the college offers a number of key resources to support faculty, staff, and students affected by the flooding. Personal counseling is available for students through the college’s Counseling and Career Services at 443-518-1340. For employees, the college offers confidential and professional counseling assistance through the Employee Assistance Program. Contact the Office of Human Resources at 443-518-1100.

Students who have been directly impacted by the flood may also receive assistance from the financial aid office and the college food pantry. Please contact Dawn Lowe, director of financial aid services, at dlowe@howardcc.edu with any difficulties paying college expenses. For the food pantry, Schnell Garrett, director of student life, at sgarrett@howardcc.edu is available to help.

Information, Donations, and Volunteers

I have reached out to Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman to offer the college’s assistance in any way possible. Ellicott City remains in a State of Emergency, and Howard County Government’s immediate focus is on the residents and businesses impacted by the flood. The college stands at the ready to help, and I urge you to read the information below on how you can donate and volunteer.

Anyone seeking information about the recovery effort should visit the Howard County Government Facebook page, the Howard County Government web page ECfloodrecovery.org, or contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at 410-313-2900.

Howard County Government asks that anyone seeking to make a donation to contribute to the Community Foundation of Howard County’s Howard County Relief Fund, which was established after the 2016 flood. The fund helps address unmet needs that are not covered by insurance or other government support. To make a donation, visit the Community Foundation’s website at https://cfhoco.org.

Howard County Recreation and Parks is managing volunteers. You may sign up today online at

https://www.howardcountymd.gov/disasterrecoveryvolunteer, and you will be contacted when it is safe for volunteers to assist with the cleanup.

Please keep Ellicott City residents and businesses in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. This is only the beginning of what will be a long recovery, but I know our community of faculty, staff, and students will lend support at every step of the journey. Please be assured that I will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Best wishes, and EC Strong,

Kate

Kathleen Hetherington, Ed.D.

President

Howard Community College