Navigating the Federal Shutdown: Community Resources for Maryland Residents

As the federal government shutdown continues, many Maryland residents are facing uncertainty about their essential benefits — including SNAP (food assistance).

According to the Maryland Department of Human Services, SNAP benefits will likely not be issued beginning November 1 if the shutdown does not end by the end of October. While cash assistance and medical programs are not immediately affected, we know that the stress of instability can take a toll — emotionally, physically, and financially.

If this news impacts you or someone you care about, please know that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help.

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Where to Find Support

Below are some local and statewide supports that can help Marylanders access food, financial, and emotional care during this time.

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Food Support

1. Maryland Food Bank

2. Capital Area Food Bank

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Community Food Pantries

1. Maryland Safe Haven
   814 N. Collington Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205

   Every first Wednesday of the month | 11 AM–3 PM

2. Life In Victory International Ministries
   Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month | 7PM - 8PM EST

   5600 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747

   lifeinvictory1@gmail.com

3. Free Food Distribution/Pantries
   (1) Every Tuesday and Thursday | 10 AM - 12 PM

   219 N. Chester Street
   
   (2) Every Monday | 10 AM - 12:30 PM

   6801 Walker Mill Rd. Capitol Heights, MD 20746
   
   (3) Every Monday | 10 AM - 12:30 PM

   6801 Walker Mill Rd. Capitol Heights, MD 20746

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Food Assistance Programs

1. Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

2. School Meal Programs

3. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

4. Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

5. Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

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Pet Food Pantries

1. Love Paws
   Serving Prince George’s County, MD

   301-615-1198

2. College Park Animal Control
   May have food available for resident pet owners.

   240-487-3575

3. First Sunday of the Month
   11:00 am - 1:00 pm

   Urban Outreach

   5343 C St SE, Washington, DC

4. Second Sunday of the Month

   11:00 am - 1:00 pm

   Urban Outreach

   5343 C St SE, Washington, DC

5. Third Friday of the Month
   12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

   Union Temple Baptist Church (rear parking lot)

   12225 W St SE, Washington, DC

6. Last Friday of the Month
   12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

   Bread for the City

   1700 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, DC

7. MCHS Pet Food Pantry

   Open weekdays noon - 4:00 pm

   Ring the doorbell and speak with staff.

   601 South Stonestreet Ave, Rockville, MD

   240-252-2555

8. Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County
   12 Park Ave, Gaithersburg, MD

   Must be a Montgomery County, MD resident

   301-740-2511

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Employment Support

1. Maryland Department of Labor

2. 33 American Job Centers across the state

3. Professional Outplacement Assistance Center

4. Weekly virtual workshop for former federal employees and contractors

5. Job fairs and recruitment events

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Other Support

1. Unemployment Insurance

2. Veterans’ Resources

3. Legal Resources

4. Health Coverage

5. Housing

6. Food, Cash, and Other Assistance

This is an evolving situation, and we’ll continue to update this page as new information and resources become available.

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A Note from Philicia

Moments like this remind us that care can’t just be individual — it has to be collective.

If you’re affected by the shutdown, please reach out for support. These systems were created to help, and needing help is never a reflection of your worth.

You deserve safety, nourishment, and rest.

If you have additional community resources to share, please email us at admin@villageofsoundmind.co so we can amplify them here.