Government Transition Resources

Charles County residents who have recently experienced a change in employment as federal employees or contractors can find support here. This page offers essential information and resources to assist in navigating this transition.

Loan Program for Essential Employees During Federal Government Shutdown

Governor Wes Moore announced on Oct. 5 the launch of the MD Department of Labor's Federal Shutdown Loan Program. The program is accepting applications and provides financial support to federal essential employees working without pay during the federal government shutdown. The program offers a one-time, no-interest loan of $700 to help workers meet expenses like rent and groceries. The loan must be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends, giving workers time to receive their back pay from the federal government. Read press release.

Job Search and Career Support Services

In Charles County, jobseekers have access to a variety of local tools and resources designed to support career growth and business success.

The Southern Maryland JobSource, guided by the Southern Maryland Workforce Development Board, provides valuable resources to help job seekers explore career opportunities and navigate their professional paths. The Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland also offers regional support through advocacy, training, and assistance for both businesses and individuals. View their Job Seeker Services.

The Maryland Department of Labor is accepting applications for the Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program, offering financial assistance to Maryland residents who have been terminated from federal employment due to layoffs, displacement, or the closure of a federal government unit and are facing financial hardship. Learn more here.

For federal employees in transition, the Maryland Department of Labor provides a variety of services, including a weekly three-hour, expert-led virtual workshop every Wednesday from 9 AM to 12 PM. This workshop equips job seekers with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to advance their careers. It is available in both English and Spanish. To participate, email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov. Additional resources and assistance are available here.

The Public Service HR Association (PSHRA) has identified a crowdsourced collaborative Google Doc for Foreign Aid and Federal workers that contains job opportunities, resources for USAID workers, toolkits, support groups, and more. Click here to access it.

The Office of Governor Wes Moore has also shared valuable resources for Maryland workers affected by the federal government transition. These include job search assistance, career support, unemployment insurance, legal resources, and guidance on federal employment rules and regulations. Learn more here. Additionally, Governor Moore recently announced new support for federal workers through a partnership with Work for America. By leveraging Work for America’s Civic Match talent-matching platform and targeted recruitment efforts, experienced federal workers and public servants will have more direct access to state and local government job opportunities. Read more here.

Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Office has provided additional resources for those affected by the Federal Government Transition, including support for federal workers, LGBTQ+ families, and immigrant families. Please refer to Senator Van Hollen’s website for more information.

Entrepreneurship and Startup Support

Charles County’s Circle of Services offers businesses at every stage, whether just starting or expanding, a robust network of local, regional, and state partners for comprehensive assistance. Job seekers can also access valuable resources from the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC), including business planning guidance and funding opportunities.

Unemployment Insurance

Seedco, a nonprofit organization, helps Maryland residents access health coverage through its partnership with Maryland Health Connection. As an official partner, Seedco offers enrollment assistance for both health and dental insurance plans. Through its Connecting Maryland Kids to Coverage initiative, Seedco provides outreach, education, and enrollment services to connect families with Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In addition, Seedco’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach works to prevent hunger, supports seniors and families in making healthier food choices, and combats the stigma and misinformation surrounding SNAP benefits.

Federal civilian employees who experience involuntary job loss may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). For detailed information on eligibility, the application process, and additional resources, please visit the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Information for Federal Employees: FAQs.

Workers impacted by federal actions, including employees of private sector companies contracted by the federal government who are now unemployed for reasons beyond their control, may qualify for regular unemployment insurance. For details on eligibility and how to apply, please refer to the Regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) Overview flyer.

Food Resources

The Southern Maryland Food Connection offers a one-stop hub for residents seeking immediate food assistance. Through this collaborative network of local nonprofits, churches, and community organizations, individuals and families can find the nearest food pantries and distribution sites operating throughout the week. Information is provided in both English and Spanish.

For additional food support, residents may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the Maryland Department of Human Services. SNAP helps households purchase nutritious food and access related assistance programs. Learn more or apply at Maryland Benefits.

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has created the SNAP - Shutdown Emergency Info Hub for Marylanders and food assistance organizations to access key information, food assistance, and volunteer/donation coordination resources in response to the federal government shutdown and lapse in SNAP benefits.

Benefits

The Maryland Department of Human Services offers medical assistance programs that provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for low-income families, as well as aged, blind, and disabled adults. Additional eligibility criteria may apply.

The State of Maryland provides various assistance programs to help with food, cash, medical expenses, and energy bills. To apply, applicants must provide detailed information about all household members, including income and expenses. For more information and to apply, visit myMDTHINK.

Transportation

For transportation options in Southern Maryland, individuals can visit the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland website. It provides a variety of commuter programs and local transportation resources, including VanGo, to support convenient travel throughout the region.

Family and Child Care Resources

The Charles County Department of Community Services’ Child Care Program offers essential resources and support for families seeking quality childcare in the county. This includes a Before and After School Program at Charles County Elementary Schools, along with an all-day Onsite Child Care Program and Before and After School Program at the Department of Community Services Building in Port Tobacco.

For middle schoolers, Charles County Recreation & Parks’ Beyond the Bell provides a safe and engaging after-school environment where students can complete homework, make new friends, explore STEM projects, and enjoy physical activities.

AlphaBest further expands childcare options with programs at all Charles County public elementary schools and the Port Tobacco Child Care Center. These programs offer homework assistance, recreational activities, and student-choice clubs, providing a well-rounded experience for every child.

For families needing financial support, the Maryland Department of Human Services offers the Child Care Scholarship Program, which helps eligible families cover childcare costs based on State or federal eligibility requirements.

Local Management Board programs for Children, Youth, and Families can be found on the County Government website at Charles County Advocacy Council for Children, Youth, and Families | Charles County, MD.

Maryland Family Network provides additional resources for families and childcare providers, including a search tool for finding local childcare resource centers across the state.

The Charles County Resource Connection is a new searchable database for individuals and families in Charles County, seeking resources and support services for a variety of different needs.

Information about Aging & Eldercare Services may be available on the County website at Aging and Senior Services | Charles County, MD.

For assistance locating information and services not listed above, please contact Charles County | 211 Maryland or simply dial 2-1-1 to connect with a resource navigation specialist.

Low-Income Housing Options & Resources for Persons at Risk of Homelessness

The Charles County Housing Authority oversees a range of housing programs aimed at supporting low- and moderate-income families. Local resources include affordable housing options, rental opportunities, and access to social services organizations dedicated to assisting those in need.

Additionally, the Charles County Homeless Service and Resource Guide is a valuable tool designed to support the homeless population in the county. It provides information and referrals for essential services, including food, clothing, childcare assistance, housing and rental support, healthcare, shelters, and more.

A comprehensive resource guide with additional support options is available through Catholic Charities DC.