Churches That Help with Utility Bills in Maryland – Complete Guide

Paying utility bills—such as electricity, gas, and water—can be challenging, especially for low-income families. Fortunately, several churches in Maryland offer emergency assistance to help pay these bills, including Catholic Charities of Baltimore, the Salvation Army of Maryland, and local chapters of St. Vincent de Paul. Typically, these programs require proof of financial hardship and can help prevent the disconnection of electricity, heating, or water services.

Churches That Help with Utility Bills in Maryland

These organizations operate in multiple locations and often manage larger-scale funds:

The Salvation Army in Maryland

The Salvation Army offers various utility assistance programs in Maryland, focusing primarily on preventing service disconnection and assisting with heating or water costs. Assistance is typically provided through specific funds, such as the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) and the WSSC Water Fund.

Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF):

This program provides emergency heating assistance to households that do not qualify for government programs or that have already exhausted those benefits.

Coverage: Gas, electricity, heating oil, coal, firewood, and kerosene.
Conditions: As of January 2026, the WAFF limits its assistance primarily to households that use natural gas for heating within the Washington Gas service area and in certain BGE zones.

WSSC Water Fund:

Provides up to $500 annually to eligible residential customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to help them pay their water and sewer bills.

Service Disconnection Prevention: One-time financial grants are often available to households that have received an active disconnection notice for electricity or water service. For example, thanks to collaborative agreements with Pepco and BGE, grants ranging from $250 to $750 have been offered in the past.

To apply, you will generally need to provide the following documentation:

• Photo ID: For the applicant and, in some cases, for all adults residing in the household.
• Proof of Residence: A lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a recent utility bill. Proof of Income: Documentation verifying all household income received during the last 30 days (generally, income must be equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level).
• Utility Bill: A copy of an overdue bill or a service termination/disconnection notice, in the applicant’s name.
• Social Security Cards: Copies of the cards for all household members, including children.

Applications are processed by the Salvation Army Corps serving your specific county. You can locate your local office by entering your zip code on the Salvation Army’s “Get Help” page or by visiting SAHelp.org.

Catholic Charities of Baltimore

Catholic Charities of Baltimore provides utility assistance, primarily through the Samaritan Center for residents of Baltimore City, and through regional community outreach offices for those residing in the surrounding counties.

While requirements may vary depending on the specific program, most Catholic Charities offices request the following documentation:

• Photo ID: A current, official government-issued photo identification in the name of the person listed on the utility bill.
• Proof of Household Income: Pay stubs, benefit award letters (SSI/SSDI), or child support records covering the last 30 days.
• Utility Bill: A copy of the current bill or a service disconnection/termination notice.
• Social Security Cards: Copies of the cards for all household members.
• Letters of Commitment: If Catholic Charities is unable to cover the full balance, they may request “letters of commitment” from other organizations certifying that the remaining amount will be covered.

Please note that financial assistance is generally limited to once per year. Payments are made directly to the utility company, not to the applicant. Some offices may assess your eligibility for the state-administered Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) before granting private funds.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Maryland Chapters)

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) in Maryland offers utility assistance through local “conferences” (chapters) based at specific Catholic parishes. Since each chapter is managed by volunteers and typically serves only residents within its immediate neighborhood or parish boundaries, you must contact the specific office that serves your zip code.

Baltimore City and County: SVDP Baltimore coordinates multiple parish-based conferences.

Contact: Dial 2-1-1 (United Way Helpline in Maryland) to obtain a direct referral to the SVDP conference serving your specific neighborhood.

Ellicott City (Howard County): The Church of the Resurrection conference provides financial assistance for utility payments.
Phone: 410-645-4018

Frederick County: Serves as a central resource for county residents facing utility shut-offs.

Phone: 301-662-4676
Location: St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor, 5843 Manor Woods Rd, Frederick.

Anne Arundel County (Annapolis): St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church hosts a conference for Annapolis residents.

Phone: 410-990-4019

Cecil County: Located at the Good Shepherd parish office.

Phone: 410-642-3588 (Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.).
Address: 810 Aiken Avenue, Perryville.

Talbot County: Serves residents through the SVDP Center in Easton.

Phone: 410-770-4505
Address: 29533 Canvasback Drive, Easton

SVDP assistance typically involves a home visit by two “Vincentian” volunteers to assess your situation and provide personal support. To be eligible for financial assistance, you generally must provide the following:

• Proof of Identity: A government-issued photo ID in the applicant’s name.
• Documentation of Need: A copy of a current utility bill showing the account number and a disconnection notice.
• Proof of Residency: A lease agreement or mortgage statement demonstrating that you reside within the local organization’s service area.
• Income Verification: Proof of household income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters).

United Churches Assistance Network (UCAN)

The United Churches Assistance Network (UCAN) is an emergency assistance coalition composed of local churches in northern Baltimore County, which provides financial aid to prevent utility disconnections and evictions. UCAN serves residents exclusively within the following seven zip codes:

• 21030 (Cockeysville/Hunt Valley)
• 21031 (Hunt Valley)
• 21071 (Glyndon)
• 21093 (Lutherville/Timonium)
• 21111 (Monkton)
• 21131 (Baldwin)
• 21152 (Sparks/Glencoe)

You may apply for assistance through the United Churches Assistance Network (UCAN). Visit the office during public service hours on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: 40 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030.
Phone: 410-628-2102.
Email: help@ucanmd.org.

United Methodist Churches (Local Congregations)

In Maryland, local congregations of the United Methodist Church (UMC) typically provide utility assistance through two methods: by participating in community church networks or by maintaining individual emergency benevolence funds. Given that these involve congregational resources, assistance is typically restricted to residents of the church’s immediate neighborhood or to specific zip codes.

Churches with an average attendance of 120 people or more are more likely to have staffed offices and charitable funds dedicated to this purpose. Use the UMC’s “Find-a-Church” tool to locate congregations near your zip code. Almost all congregations will require a copy of the service disconnection or termination notice, as well as proof that you have already applied for state OHEP/MEAP grants.

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LIRS/LSSNCA) offers utility payment assistance in Maryland, primarily as part of its Refugee and Immigrant Services and emergency aid programs. Unlike general church charity funds, their financial assistance is typically targeted at specific vulnerable populations or distributed through local resource centers.

Many programs are specifically intended for refugees, asylum seekers, SIV holders, and victims of human trafficking who are within their first five years of U.S. residency. Generally, applicants must provide a photo ID, proof of residency, Social Security cards for household members, and a utility bill showing an overdue balance or a service disconnection notice.

For members of the general community who are not participating in their resettlement programs, LSSNCA often recommends calling 211 Maryland or contacting the Local Home Energy Program Office to apply for state MEAP grants.

Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC)

The Assistance Center of Towson Churches (ACTC) provides emergency financial aid, specifically to prevent the disconnection of BGE utility services for residents of northern and central Baltimore County, as well as northern Baltimore City. Assistance is typically limited to once per year. Please note that a “lifetime” assistance limit may apply; some current records indicate that they cannot assist any individual who has received aid since October 2020.

When applying, you must provide:

• Photo ID for the applicant.
• Social Security Cards for every member of the household.
• Proof of Income for the last 30 days.
• The BGE Turn-Off Notice

You can complete the Financial Assistance Form on their website. If you need assistance with the application, call 410-296-4855 (select option 4) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Interfaith Works (Montgomery County)

Interfaith Works (IW) provides utility assistance to Montgomery County residents through its IW Connections program. This program helps neighbors experiencing a financial crisis avoid utility shut-offs by providing emergency grants and referring them to partner providers.

Call IW Connections directly at 240-641-6307; you can also contact them via email at iwconnections@iworksmc.org.

Please note that services are provided by appointment only at the Interfaith Works Essential Needs Center (751 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20851).

Severna Park and Glen Burnie (Anne Arundel County)

In northern Anne Arundel County, utility assistance is primarily managed by three major networks that coordinate closely with one another. As these are community-based organizations, they adhere to strict geographic boundaries.

How to Apply for Assistance

Step 1: Contact the church office directly (by phone or in person).

Step 2: Gather your documentation: identification, proof of residency, a utility bill, and evidence of financial hardship (e.g., a service disconnection notice).

Step 3: Inquire about benevolence funds or emergency assistance programs.

Step 4: Follow up on your application promptly, as funds are often limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Conclusion

Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and local chapters of St. Vincent de Paul are among the most reliable sources of assistance. Residents are advised to combine support from churches with state programs, such as MEAP, to ensure comprehensive coverage during periods of financial hardship.