The Montgomery County Council unanimously approved a $1 million special appropriation to the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget to support programs run by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
The measure was introduced by Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles and co-sponsored by Council President Natali Fani-González and Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Kristin Mink, and Will Jawando. Officials said the funding is intended to address gaps caused by recent federal funding reductions that have affected health and social service programs serving seniors, communities of color, and other vulnerable residents.
The appropriation allocates $450,000 to the Senior Nutrition Program, $300,000 to Homecare Services to Adults, and $250,000 to the Respite Care Program. County Executive Marc Elrich and DHHS officials said the funding will help reduce waitlists, expand in-home support, and provide relief to unpaid caregivers. The action comes amid uncertainty over future federal support, including delays in reauthorizing the Older Americans Act and the expiration of temporary pandemic-related funding. County leaders said the additional funding is intended to stabilize essential services and maintain access to meals, caregiving assistance, and home-based support for older adults and people with disabilities.
