Temperatures are dropping across our area as the winter season continues, and many residents face the need for emergency heating assistance. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to obtainbecause fewer than 2 in 10 people eligible for federal energy assistance receive it. There are simply not enough funds to meet the demand.
That’s the inspiration behind the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF). Created by Washington Gas with The Salvation Army over 35 years ago, the program fills this critical gap, providing essential funds so that our neighbors in need can stay warm during the frigid months of the season.
Washington Gas proudly pays all costs of operating the program while The Salvation Army assists clients and manages the disbursement of the funds. Neighbors in need can receive heating assistance regardless of how they heat their home—whether it be electric, gas or some other fuel. Through its merger with AltaGas, Washington Gas established the Merger Fund Program to broaden WAFF help eligibility for Washington Gas customers.
“The passion to help our neighbors with heating assistance has never been greater and that’s why we are so dedicated to raising awareness about this critical issue,” said Donald “Blue” Jenkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, Washington Gas. “As a company committed to caring for our community throughout our 171-year history, we know our neighbors will always join us in helping those in need.”
Since WAFF’s inception in 1983, more than $29 million has helped 300,000 families in the Washington metropolitan area.
Eligibility
Utility assistance is available regardless of the type of fuel used to heat your home. That means residents do not have to be customers to receive assistance. In general, a family of four earning up to $75,050 could be eligible.
WAFF applications are accepted January 1 through May 31 at the nearest county or city where The Salvation Army maintains offices.
Help is only a click away at WWW.WAFFHELP.ORG.
Washington, D.C.
Serving Wards 1 – 6
The Salvation Army Social Services Department
1434 Harvard St., NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 332-5000
Serving Wards 7 – 8
The Salvation Army Social Services Department
2300 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20020
(202) 678-9771
Maryland
Prince George’s County
Salvation Army
4825 Edmonston Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20781
(301) 277-6103