Send a letter to tell County Council to FULLY FUND a new East Columbia 50+ Center

We've prepped a template letter to help you out. Simply fill out the form on this page to get started!

We are coming to a time of great anticipation and hope for the vote by Howard County Council on May 26 that will confirm the construction of the 50+ Senior Center in East Columbia.

PATH feels confident about the work we’ve done to listen to your concerns, join with you to voice your needs, and partner with all who may benefit by this project in our shared life together. Our elected officials are aware that issues of equity as they impact our life together are priorities in which we will stay vigilant and engaged!

Please continue sending emails in support of the 50+ Senior Center funding as the vote by elected officials approaches. Be positive of this project as a priority, encourage our officials to unite and support the health and welfare of senior adults, and let them know we will celebrate with them when it comes to pass!

Background

Since 2013, seniors in East Columbia have called on Howard County to replace the tight, cramped quarters of the East Columbia 50+ Center. Today, this 3-room center attached to a library serves more seniors of color than any other senior center in the county.

In 2020, County Executive Calvin Ball included construction funding for a new center in his budget, only to have 3 council members vote against full funding. This year the County Executive included the full funding in his budget again. We are grateful that no amendments have been introduced to cut funding for the center. On Wednesday, May 26, the Howard County Council will vote to decide the fate of the center.

Why now?

For years, the East Columbia 50+ Center has been overlooked for renovations while the county has diverted resources to every other area. All residents of Howard County, no matter their race or socioeconomic status, deserve to have a safe, spacious facility for their community to use.

The woeful lack of funding for the East Columbia 50+ Center continues a legacy of chronic underfunding in East Columbia, an area of Howard County that is majority minority.

Send a letter to the council TODAY telling them to vote YES on a new East Columbia 50+ Center this month!