Largo, Maryland (January 10, 2018) – Some much needy relief for federal government workers in Prince George’s County who are beginning to feel the financial impact of the shutdown.  Prince George’s County Government, the United Way Campaign of the National Capital Region, and Prince George’s Community College are teaming up to give non-profits in the county additional dollars to help federal employees. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County College President Dr. Charlene Dukes, and Rosie Allen-Herring, President & CEO, United Way National Capital Area held a press conference at the college Thursday to announce the launch of the Emergency Assistance Fund.  , making available an initial $50,000 that will provide additional capacity to select nonprofit organizations providing vital food, rent and other assistance, which are facing an increased demand for services due to the government shutdown crisis. United Way NCA also called on the community—both corporate partners and individuals in the region—to join the organization by matching its pledge or contributing. Pepco was first to respond with a $50,000 matching grant as did Bank of America to the Emergency Assistance Fund, and the United Way NCA expects more will follow.  United Way NCA also encouraged all of those affected to visit its regional network of Financial Empowerment Centers (FEC) for individual financial counseling and guidance.

In addition, residents are reminded that assistance is also available by calling 2-1-1, a national program, which is managed locally by United Way NCA and its work-group partners. 2-1-1 is a non-emergency telephone number.