Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, October 1, 2025) – As the federal government shutdown continues, WHUR is here to support our community. We’ve created a comprehensive Resource Guide for federal workers across the DMV, with direct phone numbers and website links to services that can help with food assistance, housing, utilities, daycare, mental health, and even job support. Whether you’re in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, this guide connects you to trusted organizations ready to provide relief during this difficult time
Washington, D.C.
Food
- Capital Area Food Bank — (202) 644-9800; free pop-ups & pantry network www.capitalarefoodbank.org
- DC TEFAP Food Assistance — DHS pantries across ward www.dchealth.dc.gov
- Local “shutdown specials” — free/discounted meals from businesses
Mental Health
- DC Behavioral Health HelpLine — 1-888-793-4357 (24/7) www.dbh.dc.gov
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 www.988lifeline.org
- Federal Employee Assistance Program (EAP) www.opm.gov
Housing
- Shelter Hotline — (202) 399-7093 (24/7)
- ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) — via DHS
Utilities
- Pepco — (202) 833-7500 hardship programs
- DC Water — (202) 354-3600 customer care & payment help
- Washington Gas — 844-WASHGAS payment plans
Child Care
- DC Child Care Subsidy Program — OSSE/DHS
- Reduced-cost care through rec centers & nonprofits
Other
- Unemployment Insurance — dcnetworks.org
- DC Shutdown Resource Page — dc.gov
Maryland (Montgomery & Prince George’s)
Food
- Capital Area Food Bank — Maryland distribution sites
- Manna Food Center (Montgomery) — (301) 424-1130
- Prince George’s SHARE Food Network — via 2-1-1
- mypgc.us/FedGovShutdown
- www.go.md.gov/federalshutdown
Mental Health
- Montgomery County Crisis Center — (240) 777-4000
- Maryland Mobile Crisis Team — 1-855-634-4673
- 2-1-1 Maryland — counseling referrals
Housing
- Prince George’s ERAP & Shelter Hotline — county housing dept
- Montgomery County HHS Emergency Services — call 311
- Maryland Emergency Loan Program for Federal Workers
Utilities
- Pepco — PG & MoCo hardship plans
- WSSC Water — (301) 206-4001 payment assistance
- BGE — (800) 685-0123 hardship & energy aid
Child Care
- Maryland Child Care Subsidy Program — MSDE
- Parks & Rec in PG/MoCo — fee waivers during shutdowns
Other
- Unemployment Insurance — Maryland DLLR
- Credit unions (NASA FCU, Andrews FCU, SECU MD) — relief loans & skip-payment options
Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax)
Food
- Capital Area Food Bank — Northern Virginia sites
- ALIVE! (Alexandria) — (703) 837-9300
- AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center) — (703) 845-8486
Mental Health
- Arlington CSB Emergency Line — (703) 228-5160
- Fairfax CSB Crisis Line — (703) 573-5679
- Alexandria Crisis Line — (703) 746-3401
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Housing
- Arlington Housing Grants — (703) 228-1350
- Fairfax Coordinated Services Planning — (703) 222-0880
- Alexandria Office of Housing — (703) 746-4990
Utilities
- Dominion Energy Virginia — (866) 366-4357 hardship programs
- Washington Gas — payment plans available
- AlexRenew (Alexandria water) — (703) 721-3500
Child Care
- Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program — Virginia DSS
- Local Parks & Rec — reduced-fee care during shutdowns
Other
- Unemployment Insurance — Virginia Employment Commission
- Arlington Federal Workforce Resilience Fund
- Alexandria Shutdown Resource Page — alexandriava.gov
Tip: Dial 2-1-1 or 311 in your county/city to be directly connected to food, housing, utilities, and child care referrals in your ZIP code.
