County Executive Fitzwater Announces Plan to Help People Impacted by Federal Government Shutdown
Plan Requests Emergency Funding for Local Nonprofits and Food Banks
FREDERICK, Md. - Today, Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced a plan to support people impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown and asked the County Council to approve emergency funds to support local nonprofit organizations and food banks.
“In Frederick County, we believe in compassion, community, and stepping up for one another in times of need. That is the Frederick County Way,” said County Executive Fitzwater. “I want to thank the Council for considering this emergency measure to help those in need. I know they are as committed as I am to lifting up our working families and proving we have each other’s backs in this community.”
County Executive Fitzwater asked the County Council to approve $1.5 million in one-time funds to support local nonprofits by launching a grant program called HEART: Helping Empower Area Resources Together. HEART will provide grants of up to $50,000 to organizations that deliver direct services and resources to people in Frederick County.
She proposed an additional $1 million in emergency funding to help local food banks, which have seen a surge in demand due to the federal government shutdown. The Frederick County Government website features a map of food banks across the county so that people can find resources close to home. This map can be found at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Food.
“These two steps – the assistance to food banks and the HEART grant program– will allow us to get help directly to the people who need it the most,” added Fitzwater. “We do this work in partnership with others, because government alone cannot meet all our community’s needs, but absolutely must play our part.”
Today’s briefing is available for viewing on FCG TV. For additional support and resources, people can visit the County’s website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Federal. This web page shares information to help with food, healthcare, utilities, employment, education, and more.
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CONTACT: Vivian Laxton
Communications Director
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
601-600-1315
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