Getting Support During the Federal Shutdown

At Thread, we are working on new ways to support our community members affected by the shutdown. We want to make sure everyone knows where to find help and can get what they need. Please share these resources and check in on your neighbors — together, we can take care of one another.

We will continue to have grocery distribution at Touchpoint threadhours on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. We also provide dinner to our community each week during threadHours. Please join us!

Thread Food Resource Guide with Pantry Information

Thread has made a guide for food resources available in Baltimore City. Click the link below for access to our food resource guide. 

Baltimore City Food Resources

Support in Baltimore City

The information below was provided by the Baltimore City Mayor's Office. For access to the original announcement, please click here:

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced a $4.68 million investment by the City of Baltimore to support residents and federal workers impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. This investment will fund programs that cover the cost of food, housing, and child care for impacted residents.

Below is a list of new or expanded programs, as well as existing resources and instructions on how to access support.

FOOD

NOTE: Residents DO NOT NEED to show proof of employment or SNAP/WIC to access any of the below resources.

The Maryland Food Bank

• Residents can visit multiple sites across the city, with a range of hours/locations.
• Phone: (410) 737-8282

The Food Project

• Residents can visit their distribution site in Southwest Baltimore on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10:00 AM.
• Phone: (410) 877-6020

The Baltimore Hunger Project

• Distribution at partner schools in Baltimore City every Friday.
• Elementary school students receive a Weekend Food Bag, which contains 4 servings of protein, single serving cereal box, shelf stable milk, 100% fruit juice box, applesauce pouch, fruit snacks, 2 granola bars, and plastic cutlery.
• Phone: (410) 989-1247
• Email: office@baltimorehungerproject.org

So What Else

• Food distribution most weekdays in West Baltimore and Southwest Baltimore – schedule available via their Facebook page.
• Phone: (410) 429-0657
• Spanish Language: (240) 471-5995
• Email: baltimore@sowhatelse.org

Home Delivered Food Box Program (Baltimore City Health Department)

• This program delivers grocery boxes filled with non-perishable food directly to eligible residents’ doorsteps. 
• Phone: (410) 396-2273

Produce Box Distribution Program (Baltimore City Department of Planning)

• Funding announced by Mayor Scott on October 28 will support an additional 17,647 boxes of fresh produce.
• Residents can visit one of 30 sites citywide to pick up 15-pound boxes of produce. 
• See the full list of participating sites here.

B’More Fresh (Baltimore City Department of Planning)

• Residents with SNAP benefits can create an account with Safeway or Amazon to receive a $30 voucher for fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. Please note that this program requires use of SNAP funds. Please sign up before October 31 while SNAP funds are still available.
• Email: bmorefresh@baltimorecity.gov 

Pratt Free Market

Distributions and Pantry on the Go days are held at Southeast Anchor Library (3601 Eastern Ave). Days and time vary.
 
4MyCity

Residents may go to 4MyCity to pick up food resources. No appointment needed. Open Monday through Friday 10:00AM to 6:00PM (closed 1:00PM to 2:00PM daily).

CHILD CARE

* NEW * Child Care Assistance 

• Federal employees/contractors who are furloughed but required to report in person to work, and SNAP-eligible families can apply for $2,500/month for November and December (a total of $5,000) to assist with child care costs.  
• Additional details on how to access child care support will be announced by November 6, 2025.
• If you would like to receive more information once available, please sign up here.

HOUSING & UTILITY BILLS

* NEW * Rental Assistance (Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success)

• Federal employees/contractors whose primary residence is a rental can apply to have their October and November rent covered.
• Baltimore City residents whose primary residence is in federally subsidized housing can apply to have their November rent covered.
• Residents can visit a CAP center for support.
• Additional details on how to access rental assistance will be announced by November 6, 2025.
• If you would like to receive more information once available, please sign up.

Utility Bill Support (MD Office of Home Energy Programs)

• Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP):
  • Maryland Energy Assistance Program – assistance grants to help with home heating bills. 
    • Apply online or request a paper application: (800) 332-6347
  • Electric Universal Service Program  – financial assistance with electric bills. 
    • Maryland DHS: (800) 332-6347
  • Arrearage Retirement Assists – help with large, past due electric and gas bills.
    • Maryland DHS: (800) 332-6347
• Water4All - Baltimore City residential households whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may be eligible for water bill relief.
  • Visit a CAP center or call 410-396-5555 for assistance.

Internet + Phone Bill Support

• Comcast Xfinity Assistance Plan – residential customers can call 1-800-XFINITY and inform that they’ve been impacted by the government shutdown.
• Verizon – federal workers can visit their website to set up a payment agreement.
• AT&T – federal workers can visit their website to set up a payment agreement. 

EMPLOYMENT

Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

• Visit a Baltimore City Career Center
• Request Virtual Assistance
• Browse and apply for positions with the City of Baltimore
• Weekly Workshop (9AM Wednesdays) for former federal workers and impacted workers – Email: FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov 

Additional Resources:

• Need immediate emotional support? Call 988 to connect to a counselor who can help.