Office of Disability Services
7125 Riverwood Drive, Suite D1
Columbia, MD 21046
United States
Loan Closet
Phone: 410-313-0363
Email: loancloset@howardcountymd.gov
The Howard County Office of Disability Services oversees The Loan Closet of Howard County, an education and resource center for assistive technology, including durable medical equipment for all ages. As a reuse center, we receive donations of items that people no longer need, clean and refurbish them, then redistribute those items to those who need them.
The Loan Closet offers more than just a piece of equipment.
At the Loan Closet, our staff not only connects individuals to equipment but also provides instruction as to its use, and makes referrals to many other resources in the community.
The Loan Closet of Howard County is located at 7125 Riverwood Drive, Suite D1 in Columbia, MD 21046. Appointments are required for all services; call 410-313-0363 (voice/relay) to discuss your needs.
Check Inventory
Health Care Referral Form
Program & Resources
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Provider Referral Form to Request or Receive Equipment
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Have your healthcare provider complete and submit a Provider Referral Form and/or call 410-313-0363 for assistance. The Loan Closet is currently distributing equipment by appointment only.
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Equipment Instructions for Returns and Donations
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The Loan Closet maintains its inventory through returns and donations. There are two options for no-contact returns and donations:
- Returns and donations can be dropped off at the Loan Closet's Durable Medical Equipment Shed located just inside the entrance to the Alpha Ridge Landfill Customer Convenience Center. The Alpha Ridge Landfill, located at 2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. No appointment is necessary.
- Returns and donations are also accepted at The Loan Closet, 7125 Riverwood Drive in Columbia, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., No Appointment is Necessary. To return or donate equipment, you must be able to independently unload all equipment at the Loan Closet loading zone in the rear of the building.
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Available Items
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A medical referral (PT, OT, or MD) is required in order to receive equipment. Fill out the Provider Referral Form linked above.
- Bathing Aids
- Shower Aids
- Dressing Aids
- Shower Chairs
- Tub Transfer Benches
- Toilet Safety Rails
- Elevated Toilet Seat
- 3/1 Commode
- Aluminum Crutches
- Wheelchairs (Manual and Transport)
- Wheelchair Accessories
- Wheelchair Cushions
- Transfer Boards
- Gait Belts
- Canes
- Walkers
- Walker Accessories
- Rollators
- Bedrails
- Bedside Tables
- Hoyer Lifts & Slings
**Consumers must be able to load and unload donated and/or received equipment independently.
The Loan Closet does not loan or accept for donation hospital beds. Please contact the Loan Closet for resources.
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Items Accepted for Donation
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Partners
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Loan Closet Partners:
Howard County Office of Disability Services
The Howard County Office of Disability Services, which oversees The Loan Closet, is one of nine offices under the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services.
Rebuilding Together of Howard County
Rebuilding Together of Howard County is the local affiliate of the national non-profit organization working to preserve affordable home ownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing free home repairs and modifications to low-income homeowners. Utilizing volunteers and skilled tradespeople, with the support of local businesses and donors, and major corporate partners, RT is able to offer every repair and modification at no cost to the homeowner.
Equipment Connections for Children
Equipment Connections for Children accepts adaptive equipment used by children living with disabilities who have outgrown or no longer need the equipment. They clean and assess the equipment, then provide it to other children living with disabilities who need it, at no cost to the families. All services can be accessed through our website and are by appointment only.
Maryland Technology Assistance Program
The Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) is a program of the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Their mission is to enhance the lives of all Marylanders with disabilities, older adults in Maryland, and their families by helping support access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services.
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Volunteer Opportunities
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Volunteer Opportunities
Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference in your community?
Howard County's Loan Closet is an excellent place to start.
We have volunteer opportunities for adults in areas including:
- Donations
- Hub Scrub/Equipment Maintenance
Each opportunity posted on our volunteer website describes the paperwork requirements. To find opportunities that match your interest and to create an account, please visit www.HoCoVolunteer.org.
For more information contact:
Margaret Fries
Loan Closet Volunteer Coordinator
410-313-0363
mfries@howardcountymd.gov
FAQ
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Who is eligible to receive equipment from the Loan Closet?
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- One or more of the following is true with regard to my Howard County home address: (a) I am registered to vote at such address; (b) my most recent tax return reports me living at such address; and/or (c) my driver’s license shows such address.
- I am a Howard County employee.
- I am “homeless” as qualified by the Office of Community Partnerships in the County Department of Community Resources and Services.
If any of the above items above apply, you are eligible to use equipment loaned to you by the Loan Closet for personal use. Further, if item 1and/or 2 above apply, and you are the primary and uncompensated caregiver for another, you are eligible to use equipment loaned to you by the Loan Closet for use by the person you care for.”
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If I am not a Howard County resident, where may I receive similar services?
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or more information, contact:
- Maryland Department of Aging Medical Reuse Program, email DME.MDOA@maryland.gov or call 240-230-8000
- State-wide Loan Closet Directory of organizations providing services in other counties:
- Maryland Assistive Technology Reuse Group Facebook page provides an opportunity to list items you are looking to sell, give away or receive.
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How long may I keep a piece of equipment?
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There are no time limits on most items borrowed from the Loan Closet. However, manual wheelchairs and transport wheelchairs are loaned for 30 days with the option to extend the loan for up to 90 days. Loan Closet staff can provide information regarding resources to obtain equipment for long-term. We encourage recipients to donate equipment back to the Loan Closet so we can serve as many Howard County residents as possible.
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How much does it cost to receive equipment?
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There is no charge for Howard County residents.
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Do you accept or provide hospital beds?
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The Loan Closet neither distributes nor accept hospital beds. Please contact the resources below to donate or receive a Hospital Bed.
- ALS Society, 1-301-978-9855
- Orphan Grain Train, 410-544-4621
- State of Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program, 240-230-8000
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What if I am not able to pick up my equipment?
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Neighbor Ride will deliver equipment to your home; standard fees apply. Contact a Loan Closet Specialist at 410-313-0363 to coordinate a delivery with Neighbor Ride.
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What if I have a donation but cannot transport it to the Loan Closet?
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Call the Loan Closet at 410-313-0363 to see if there is a pick-up option available.
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May I receive or donate incontinence supplies at the Loan Closet?
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The Howard County Food Bank accepts and distributes incontinence supplies. Visit their website or call 410-313-6185 for more information.
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Does the Loan Closet accept and distribute CPAP or Cold Therapy Machines?
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CPAP and Cold Therapy machines are NOT accepted or distributed by the Loan Closet.
Howard County Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities
The Howard County Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities was established by statute in September 2016 to advise the county government in establishing an effective, efficient, and comprehensive delivery of services that will most successfully meet the transition needs of Howard County students with disabilities as they transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment, and adult life.