Help is available if you live in Cambridge, Algonquin, Cannon Acres, Williamsburg, Waddells Corner, Hurlock, Woodland Acres, Toddville, West Haven or another area in Dorchester County.
Call 2-1-1, and an Information and Referral Specialist will connect you with the help you need to thrive.
You can also search the database above to find local resources.
Utility Help
Utility assistance is the top request for help in Dorchester County. Residents can apply for a state grant, like the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). There are several options to help with electric, gas and heating bills. Get the latest information on the programs, income guidelines, and how to apply.
If you need help filling out the form or have program questions, call the Dorchester County Department of Social Services. The number is 410-901-4100. You can also email Dorchester.ohep@maryland.gov
Community groups may be another option if you’re struggling with a utility bill. The Salvation Army, Good Neighbor Fund, provides financial assistance for utility disconnection and evictions. It’s a fund of last resort.
If you need help paying your electric bill, call your provider. Delmarva Power, Choptank Electric or Chesapeake Utilities and ask for payment arrangements. Delmarva has programs like extending the due date of your bill, payment arrangements and budget billing. For gas, call Cambridge Gas Co.
Get Help With Other Needs
Delmarva Community Action Agency offers residents a food pantry, home foreclosure help regardless of income, free income tax preparation, and short-term rental support to prevent homelessness.
Food
If you need help with food, you can find out if you qualify for food stamps/SNAP/, WIC or go to a food pantry or a food distribution event.
These are the food pantries in Dorchester County. You can also view a calendar of food pantries by day, week or month on the Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition food pantry calendar.
Hurlock United Methodist Church
502 South Main Street
Hurlock, MD 21643
443-988-9855
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Salvation Army of Cambridge
200 Washington Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-2442
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m - 5 p.m.
Delmarva Community Services, Inc. - Delmarva Community Action Center
1000 Goodwill Avenue
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-901-2991
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Saint Mary Refuge of Sinners
2000 Hambrooks Boulevard
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-4770 x6
Thursday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Dorchester Community Development Corporation
435 High Street. (P.O. Box 549)
Cambridge, MD 21613
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Health and Well-Being
The Dorchester County Health Department helps families with screenings, vaccines, health education and wellness. They also have behavioral health resources. If you need to expand your search for mental health and substance use providers in the area, search the state's most comprehensive behavioral resource database for mental health or substance use resources, powered by 211.
Diabetes is a concern throughout the Mid Shore. 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes, but 80% of people don't know this. Are you at risk? Take the quiz from the Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition, which is working to raise awareness.
You can also attend a health-related event throughout the area. View the calendar of events from the Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition.
Find Other Resources
To find a resource for other essential needs, call 2-1-1. You can also search the resource database by category.
Dorchester County resources
Learn about What's the 211, Hon? - a grassroots effort to increase awareness of how 211 can help Dorchester County residents find local health and human service resources. 211 is available 24/7/365.
