Criteria for Assistance
Families applying to receive services from Starboard Society must meet the following criteria:
- Legal and permanent resident of Maryland with a government-issued ID
- US citizen
- Demonstrated and specific financial need
- Applied for all eligible assistance programs
- Able to provide at least one personal or professional reference (relative, church member, neighbor, co-worker, landlord)
- Person applying must be at least 18 years old
- Family is defined as one or more individuals residing together with at least one dependent (child or adult)
- Has not received the maximum allowable contribution from Starboard within the previous 5 years of current application*
- Grant permission for Starboard to make payments directly to agencies or organizations on the applicant’s behalf
- Willing to provide receipts, invoices, etc. as requested
- Currently working
*Not all families who apply for services will receive services or the maximum allowable contribution. Services will be awarded based solely on need, fit with criteria, and available Starboard Society resources.
Limitations to Services
Starboard Society is focused on providing assistance to help meet basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and transportation. Although we hope to provide services that will help families set a new course, we are not able to replace long-term financial assistance offered through such programs as welfare, WIC, etc. The following exclusions therefore exist:
- Long-term medical care
- Tuition (elementary, secondary, college, trade school, etc.)
- Funds for greater than three (3) months medication
- Fines, taxes, legal fees, or bail
- Vacations