Emergency Services
the solution to
life's unexpected circumstances
We proudly serve the residents of the District of Columbia by providing housing stability and comprehensive wrap-around services. As a non-profit, community-based organization, our mission is to support individuals and families socially, economically, and mentally, helping them navigate life’s challenges with dignity and equality.
Our goal is to cultivate meaningful partnerships with organizations that share our core values, working together to build and sustain strong, vibrant communities.
services
Our
Recertification Benefits Initiative
Are you facing challenges completing recertification applications for public benefits such as SNAP, TANF, or Housing Vouchers? We understand the process can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our organization offers a new service to assist individuals with the recertification process for public benefits. Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you through the application process smoothly and efficiently.
We Help You With:
- Application Assistance: Our knowledgeable staff will help you complete application forms accurately and thoroughly.
- Document Preparation: We’ll assist you in gathering and organizing the necessary documents to simplify the process.
- Deadline Reminders: Stay on track with timely reminders to ensure your benefits remain uninterrupted.
Why Choose Us
- Expertise: With extensive experience in benefit applications, our team ensures you’re in capable hands.
- Confidentiality: Your privacy is our priority, and all shared information will be handled with the utmost care.
- Empathy: We provide compassionate support, understanding the challenges you face.Â
To date, we’ve reached over 20,000 constituents through our recertification support services, raising awareness and providing critical assistance. Through collaboration with community partners, we’re expanding our outreach to help even more individuals navigate their recertification processes effectively.
Email: EMASTbenefits@gwul.org
Phone: (202) 993-9863
Our
Utility Programs
Are you struggling to pay your utility bills? We’re here to help. We understand how challenging it can be to keep up with essential costs like electricity, gas, and water, especially during tough times.
That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted organizations such as Pepco, Washington Gas, and the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) to provide emergency utility assistance to residents in need.
The Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) provides one-time emergency utility assistance to eligible District residents year-round. This program supports individuals and families facing financial hardships, including working, low-income, or disconnected residents, as well as those living with disabilities.
Maximum Assistance: Up to $500.00 for electric and gas utilities (split as needed) and up to $350.00 for water services.
In FY 2023-2024, GWUL’s Utilities Program served and approved over 985 applicants, supporting 1,435 household members. With $196,295.24 in total program spending, we’ve delivered critical assistance to strengthen families and communities.
Email: uintake@gwul.org
Phone: 202 792-2554
Our
Project
Re-connect
Are you transitioning out of homelessness or know someone who is? Project Reconnect is here to help.
We support new arrivals to low-barrier shelters, returning citizens, and aged-out foster care youth by connecting them with host families or friends for extended stays or providing resources to transition into independent housing.
By reducing reliance on emergency shelters, Project Reconnect offers a pathway to stability, enabling individuals to rebuild their lives.
You must fall into one of these categories:
- New Arrivals to Low-Barrier Shelter: Presenting at a shelter for at least one week with no prior homelessness documentation in HMIS.
- Non-Recent Returners: Returning to a low-barrier shelter for at least a week after a month or more away.
- Transitioning from System Involvement: Exiting jail, prison, or foster care without housing support.
- Family Engaged: Willing to reconnect with friends or family.
Channels of Service Provided
- Security Deposit
- First Month’s Rent
- Rental Arrears
- Travel Assistance
- Groceries (for host home)
- Utilities (for host home)
You must fall into one of these categories:
- New Arrivals to Low-Barrier Shelter: Presenting at a shelter for at least one week with no prior homelessness documentation in HMIS.
- Non-Recent Returners: Returning to a low-barrier shelter for at least a week after a month or more away.
- Transitioning from System Involvement: Exiting jail, prison, or foster care without housing support.
- Family Engaged: Willing to reconnect with friends or family.
Channels of Service Provided
- Security Deposit
- First Month’s Rent
- Rental Arrears
- Travel Assistance
- Groceries (for host home)
- Utilities (for host home)
In FY 2023-2024, GWUL’s Project Reconnect supported over 2,500 applicants, positively impacting more than 5,000 households.
Email: rapidexit@gwul.org
Phone: 202-524-8175
Our
Eviction Diversion Program
Are you a tenant or landlord seeking to avoid eviction? The Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) is here to help.
Our program focuses on strengthening tenant-landlord relationships, eliminating housing insecurity, and protecting tenants from the long-term impacts of bad credit while helping landlords recover unpaid arrears.
- Early Mediation: We encourage resolving cases before hearings through mutual agreements.
- Support Services: We provide language interpreters and accommodations for individuals with literacy barriers.
- Expert Guidance: We connect tenants and landlords with resources to avoid eviction proceedings.Â
In FY 2023-2024, EDP approved over 188 applicants, benefiting 282 household members and securing $1,025,352.00 in payments.
Email: DCCourtEvictionHelp@DCSC.gov
Phone: 202-879-2073
Our
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Are you facing a housing emergency? ERAP is here to provide the support you need.
- Must be a DC resident facing a proven state of emergency.
- Household income must meet federal poverty guidelines.
- Assistance with overdue rent, late fees, and court costs.
- Security deposits and first month’s rent for new leases.
- Up to five months of rental assistance based on zip code and unit size.
- Additional assistance for individuals with disabilities to cover back rent.
In FY 2023-2024, ERAP supported over 1,350 applicants, positively impacting 3,245 household members and providing over $7.5 million in financial assistance to ensure housing stability.
Phone: 202-507-6666