Maryland Responds: Help for Federal Shutdown
We're connecting Marylanders impacted by the federal shutdown. Whether you're a worker or someone who lost government benefits, 211 is here to help you find resources in communities throughout Maryland.
Find Food
Food banks throughout Maryland provide pantry staples and sometimes vegetables. There are also events held throughout the state. We're making it easy to connect to these resources and are prepared to support community groups who host temporary food event(s) to help those impacted by the shutdown. We've created a form and sheet to publicly share information about temporary events.
The 211 Community Resource Database is the state's most comprehensive resource for food and other essential needs. Get connected to food pantries other food resources. Use these common searches to find what you need. Enter a ZIP code to narrow results to areas nearby.
Top food searches
You can also find food pantries and maps for some counties throughout the state, on our county pages.
211's guide to food programs also lists other resources and support.
Find Resources Now
Find community resources for food, health care, housing and more in our database. Search by ZIP code.
Invite the Public to your food event
Are you organizing a food event to support the community? Please share your information on our Google Form so we can connect the public to it. We will be posting events as they are shared.
Events
- Hyattsville free diaper distribution - Friday, November 7th from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hyattsville City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street.
Families must provide one proof of the child's date of birth at pick-up. - Hyattsville fresh produce - Tuesday, November 18th at the First United Methodist Church, 6201 Belcrest Road, starting at noon
Get Involved
The Maryland Food Bank is also looking for volunteers to help during this time of high demand. Learn about volunteering.
With the increased demand, farm goods can be donated to food banks. Please fill out the Food Assistance Support Form to share information on the donation. The food banks are looking for farm products, including fruits, vegetables, proteins, milk, eggs, and other goods.
Baltimore City Sheriff's Office Food Drive - deputies are collecting non-perishable food at local grocery stores and the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse and Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse. Donations are accepted at the courthouses, Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30 p.m. Learn more on their social media pages.
The United Way of Central Maryland launched United for Good, a campaign raise money for a safety net for those facing everyday crises and to nonprofits impacted by public funding and a rising demand for services.
Statewide Help
We also have food pantries and resources that are searchable by county. We are also connecting you to resources from across the state.
Statewide
- Maryland releases $62 million for SNAP funding | The Office of Governor Wes Moore
- Maryland Public Servants | Maryland.gov
- Maryland State Resources | Maryland.gov
- WIC | Maryland Department of Health
- SNAP in Maryland | Maryland Department of Human Services
- Federal Shutdown Q&A | Maryland Department of Human Services
- Upcoming job fairs | Maryland Department of Labor
- Find Food | Maryland Food Bank
Central Maryland
- A Resource Guide to Basic Needs in Central Maryland | UWCM
- Anne Arundel County
- Baltimore City Resources
- BMore Community Fridge Network
- Baltimore County
- Frederick County
- Harford County food pantries by day
- Harford County food map
- Howard County food map with transit routes
- Montgomery County
Mid Shore
Lower and Eastern Shore
Southern Maryland
Maryland's Plans
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program benefits will be issued for now, and applications will be processed. The state is monitoring the status of funding.
- New SNAP applications will be processed even if benefits are suspended.
- Medical Assistance Programs will continue in November.
- Cash assistance will be issued for the Temporary Disability Assistance Program and the Temporary Cash Assistance Program.
- Maryland Market Money (MMM) will continue. Participating Food Access Points will offer an emergency benefit of up to $20 per household per farmers market day to SNAP customers who experienced declined transactions.
- After school meal benefits will continue.
- Congregate meals are available for older adults and people with disabilities. Register with your local Area Agency on Aging by callling MAP at 1-844-MAP-LINK.
- Veterans can contact their local veterans benefits specialist through the Department of Veterans and Military Families (DMVF) benefits page.
Popular Food Resources
Search the Community Resource Database for nearby organizations that can help with food. These are common searches to get started. Click the button below that fits the need, and then on the results page enter a ZIP code to find nearby locations.
Programs for Federal Workers
If you're a federal worker, there are several ways to get help during the shutdown. There's unemployment insurance, and for those who don't qualify for it, there's also a special no-interest loan program.
Unemployment
Read the state's Frequently Asked Questions about unemployment insurance for federal workers. Eligible employees can receive up to $430 weekly (pre-tax).
Apply online or call 667-207-6520 (M-F, 8-4 p.m.) and select option #9 for federal workers.
Loans
The Maryland Department of Labor's Federal Shutdown Loan Program helps federal workers pay for expenses like food and rent. Federal workers can get a $700 no-interest loan. It must be paid back 45 days after the shutdown ends.
It's available for current federal employees who are residents of Maryland and are designated as "excepted" employees. That means they are working through the shutdown without pay. Learn about the documents needed for the application, and apply.
There are also special loan programs through Maryland Credit Unions, like emergency low-interest loans, payment deferrals on existing loans, and other financial products. Maryland Chartered Banks also offer loan programs.
Utilities
Electric and gas providers can't shut off unpaid bills for involuntarily furloughed federal government employees during a shutdown.
Contact the gas or electric provider before service is cut off discuss this option with the utility.
Utility phone numbers:
- BGE: 1-800-685-0123
- Pepco: 202-833-7500
- Delmarva Power: 1-800-375-7117
Learn more about other utility assistance programs.
Employment Webinars and Help
Virtual workshops are held weekly to help federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by the federal shutdown. The 3-hour workshop provides knowledge, strategies, and confidence to transition.
The workshop covers:
- career and skills assessment
- private sector landscape
- state jobs
- support for new ventures
- resume reinvention
- effective job search strategies
- interview preparation
- newtorking
- emotional and practical support
Sign up by emailing: FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov.
Workers can also reach out to the American Job Centers for help.
Help with Essential Needs
Find Food in Baltimore City
Looking for food in Baltimore City? There are several options available, including grocery delivery. Get Started Common Baltimore City Food SearchesClick on the type of food you’re looking for in the Baltimore area, and then narrow the results by entering a ZIP code. Food Vouchers Food Pantry Food Bank Fresh Food Formula/Baby Food Grocery Delivery…
Maryland Unemployment Benefits
Maryland employees who lose their fault through no fault of their own may be eligible for unemployment benefits. The program provides temporary unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to replace part of one’s income. In Maryland, individuals must file weekly and verify they’re actively looking for a job. Learn how to apply for benefits, get health insurance…
Find Utility Assistance Near Me (Heat, Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)
Default Page Heading Get help paying a utility bill and avoid having your service cut off. This guide to utility assistance helps Marylanders navigate the sometimes confusing maze of assistance programs. We’ll explain how to apply, the necessary verification documents, and common mistakes to avoid. Dial 211 at any time for help connecting to these…
Find Emergency Shelter, Homeless Support & Get Housing Help
Default Page Heading Local organizations provide housing assistance, from preventing homelessness to preventing an eviction. Individuals and families can also get help with a security deposit. We have many housing resources in our Community Resource Database. Find the best resource for the situation by choosing the type of housing need: rent, low-income housing, shelter, homeless…
Support for Children and Families
Together, we can help Maryland’s children thrive! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or kinship family, 211 is here to connect you to to community supports. Whether it’s help with the children in your care or with essential needs, we’re stronger as a community when we all have what we need to be well. Quickly…
Maryland’s Guide to Free Food Assistance Programs
Default Page Heading Increasing food costs and the federal shutdown are stretching food budgets for families and individuals, and we’re here to help you learn about food assistance programs. This guide to food programs and community resources can help you with a free hot meal and long-term food assistance through programs like SNAP and WIC or…
Need to Talk?
Call or Text 988
Anyone in need of assistance with mental health or substance use-related needs can call 988. Learn about 988 in Maryland.
explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Food
Free food near me, pantries, SNAP, WIC, grocery savings.
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters.
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs.
Immigration
Immigration help for new Americans and refugees
explore assistance programs
Learn about benefit programs and how to connect with support.
Food
Free food near me, pantries, SNAP, WIC, grocery savings
Utilities
Electric, gas, and water bill assistance programs
Housing
Rental payments, eviction prevention, homeless shelters
Immigration
Immigration help for new Americans and refugees
