Online Resource Hunts
What website can you visit to find information about federal and state benefit programs using your ZIP code?
What type of organization helps with free or low-cost legal advice for benefits, housing, or custody issues?
Maryland Legal Aid (expungement fairs on their website)
also..
Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
How often do most SNAP participants have to recertify their benefits?
Every 6 to 12 months.
Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
Because she was stuffed.
After you receive benefits, what’s one way to stay organized?
Keep all letters and paperwork in one folder.
What can you do if a benefit office closes due to a government shutdown?
Use 2-1-1, local nonprofits, or food pantries for emergency help.
What is the national hotline number that connects you to local help such as food, housing, and mental health services?
2-1-1
Which type of agency specializes in connecting people to housing resources and rental assistance programs?
Housing and Urban Development, (HUD), 211, Continuum of Care (CoC) or local housing authority (Carroll County, Baltimore City, etc.)
If you believe your benefit application was wrongly denied, what can you do?
File an appeal or request a fair hearing.
What did one pickle say to the other?
Dill will it.
How can staying connected with your caseworker help you keep your benefits?
They can remind you of deadlines and assist with paperwork.
True or False: If I apply for SNAP, it will reduce my Social Security benefits.
False. Receiving SNAP will not reduce Social Security benefits.
Where online can you apply for or check the status of your Maryland SNAP benefits?
Why is it helpful for someone with mental health or substance-use challenges in a PRP group to know about local social-service agencies (not just federal programs)?
Because local agencies often provide wrap-around support (case management, transportation, peer support, housing referrals) and may know how to coordinate with mental health and rehab services.
What can you do if you lose your benefits due to a missed renewal deadline?
Reapply immediately or contact DHS to request reinstatement.
What is a room with no walls?
A mushroom.
What should you do if a resource ends or runs out of funding?
Ask for referrals to similar programs or emergency aid.
During a budget crisis (e.g., shutdown, benefit reduction) what proactive step can someone take to avoid resource gaps?
Review existing benefit eligibility now, apply early for programs, look for emergency assistance programs, maintain an updated list of agencies, monitor mail/email for notices of change.
If a government website ends in “.gov” and uses “https,” why is that a good sign when looking for legitimate resource information?
Because “.gov” domains are official government sites and “https” means the connection is secure; it helps verify reliability.
What are two questions you should ask when you contact a community agency (for example for utility assistance or food help) to make sure you understand what they provide and how to access it?
What eligibility criteria do you have? (income, household size, documentation)
What is the application process or timeframe?
Do you require an appointment or drop-in?
Are there fees or expectations (for example volunteer hours, contribution)?
According to recent guidance, what effect did the federal government shutdown have on SNAP benefits for October 2025?
States were instructed to issue SNAP benefits for October 2025 as regularly scheduled despite the shutdown.
What has a head and a tail but no body?
A coin.
What’s one good habit to develop if you rely on multiple resources (SNAP, housing, energy)?
Create a monthly check-in list or calendar reminders.
What’s one thing you should not do when frustrated with an agency worker?
Yell, give up, make a scene... stay calm and ask for a supervisor.
What’s a simple search phrase you can type into Google to find community help in your area?
[Type of help] + near me” (e.g., “food pantries near me” or “rental assistance near me”)
What’s one community location that often provides free meals, clothing, or hygiene products?
Local churches, Salvation Army, Catholic charities, etc.
What is one reason an application might be denied?
Missing documents, income over limit, or incomplete forms.
Why do people say "break a leg" when you go on stage?
Because every play has a cast lolll.
Why is maintaining stability through community supports important for mental health recovery?
It reduces stress, increases security, and supports long-term wellness.
Explain how stigma or fear can be a barrier to using community resources, and provide one strategy to address that.
Barrier: People may feel shame, fear judgment, worry about “being a burden,” or distrust the system; may fear losing benefits or being singled out.
Strategy: Educate about rights (you are eligible if you meet criteria), use peer support groups where others share experiences, normalize help-seeking (everyone needs help sometimes), ask confidential questions, use anonymous screening tools.