As communities continue recovering from the recent government shutdown and ongoing economic uncertainty, Pepco has pledged $90,000 to local nonprofits providing food, housing and emergency assistance through the holiday season.
The utility company announced Thursday it is supporting four organizations that address critical needs in the District and Maryland:
The United Way of the National Capital Area will receive $25,000 to advance its five Financial Empowerment Centers, which provide financial coaching, workforce development, housing counseling and entrepreneurship programs. Over the past decade, the centers have served 167,000 area residents and returned more than $133 million to working families through no-cost tax preparation and access to the Earned Income Tax Credit.
The Capital Area Food Bank will receive $50,000 to support its Prince George’s County Community Marketplace at the Glenarden Community Center in Glenarden, Maryland. The marketplace provides 48,000 meals annually and serves an average of 175 households per month.
Mission of Love Charities will receive $10,000 to serve limited-income individuals and families in Prince George’s County and surrounding areas.
United Communities Against Poverty will receive $5,000 for operational costs in delivering food assistance, housing support and emergency shelter services.
The contributions are part of broader support Pepco provides annually. In 2024, the company contributed more than $3 million to local nonprofits and organizations across the District and Maryland.
“The ripple effects of the shutdown and ongoing economic uncertainty remain for so many across the National Capital Area, especially ALICE individuals and families,” said Rosie Allen-Herring, president and CEO of United Way of the National Capital Area. ALICE refers to households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — earning above the federal poverty level but still struggling to afford basic needs.
Allen-Herring said more than 600,000 ALICE households in the region struggle to afford food, housing and health care.
“This contribution will help ensure families in Prince George’s County can access fresh, nutritious produce, supporting the health and wellbeing of our neighbors,” said Abby Fenton, chief advancement officer at the Capital Area Food Bank.
Pepco said enhanced programs for federal employees during the government shutdown will gradually phase out to allow customers time to resume normal payment activity. Current disconnection holds and late payment charge waivers will remain until their scheduled expiration.
“We know these are difficult times for many families, especially those still feeling the impact of the government shutdown and economic uncertainty,” said Amber Perry, Pepco region president. “That’s why we’re partnering with local organizations across our service area that provide critical support for food, housing and emergency needs.”
The company continues to offer assistance programs including an Assistance Finder tool to help identify bill assistance and energy efficiency programs, and Single Stop, which helps customers check eligibility for benefits including housing, food, health care and child care assistance.
Customers can learn more about assistance programs at pepco.com/BillSupport. To learn more about Pepco, go to The Source, the company’s online newsroom.