The Foundation is encouraging people who can financially weather this COVID-19 crisis to donate their federal stimulus check to an organization that provides financial assistance to individuals and families in need.
Needhelppayingbill.com – choose Maryland and then choose Prince George’s County – is one of the best places to find information on the many charities, churches, and government assistance programs that provide financial help. There are specific programs in Prince George’s County for grants or loans to help pay rent or heating/utility bills. The State of Maryland provides information on many social services in a specific zip code on its website 211md.org or people can call 211 with specific services requests.
The Greenbelt Assistance in Living (GAIL) provides a complete Resource Guide that lists area organizations offering assistance for a variety of needs including rental, utility, furniture, clothing and household items. Assistance is provided based on eligibility of applicant and organizations are limited in the amounts they may provide. Two organizations listed that specifically offer financial assistance are the Salvation Army Prince George’s County and United Communities Against Poverty.
The Salvation Army provides resources to help people satisfy the basic needs of life, housing, and shelter to qualified candidates. Some of what can be provided by the social services and emergency assistance programs include clothing, food, and financial assistance to pay rent or utilities, and other critical necessities. It also provides several shelters and short term housing 4825 Edmonston Road, Hyattsville, MD 301-277-6103
United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP) is the Community Action Agency (CAA) for Prince George’s County, Maryland. United Communities Against Poverty, Inc., offers various services and they have created numerous programs to assist low- and moderate-income families with their bills. Some of what they offer includes: Emergency food and shelter, Mortgage/rental/utility assistance, a free Food pantry, resources that will stop an eviction, and help homeless people find housing. People who apply and are qualified may be able to receive financial support for rent, funds to prevent eviction, grants for utility bills, and help for paying a security deposit and first month’s rent. 1400 Doewood Lane, Capital Heights, MD 20731 301-322-5700.
Residents that need help with utility bills have options too. They can contact the Department of Social Services to apply for LIHEAP. They are located at 425 Brightseat Road, Landover, Maryland, and the phone number is 301-909-6300.
The Community Ministry of Prince George’s County offers financial assistance for utility bills, free food, information and education programs to resident of Prince George’s County. For example, they can refer people to Maryland pro bono mortgage programs. Contact www.cmpgc.com/ or call (301) 499-2319 for more information.
St. Hugh of Genoble’s Ladies of Charity stock the food pantry in Grenoble Hall and prepare food parcels for Greenbelters to pick-up at the rectory at 135 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD. Citizens can purchase bags of food for the pantry at The Greenbelt Supermarket and Cooperative.
A national organization, Modest Needs, can make small emergency grants to low-income workers who are at risk of slipping into poverty and for whom no other source of immediate help is available.