Message from The Salvation Army and Washington Gas

As the corporate sponsor of the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF), Washington Gas is committed to providing resources for energy consumers. Our long-standing strategic alliance with The Salvation Army helps sustain effective social responsibility, especially when there are so many of our neighbors in need.

Washington Gas supports WAFF through our fundraising and promotional efforts. The Salvation Army’s experience is critical because it applies decades of hands-on experience in community service and is clearly able to reach across the boundaries of fuel sources. This explains why WAFF can provide energy assistance no matter what type of fuel is used.

The creation and continued support of WAFF exemplifies the company’s track record of community service. To concentrate 100% of WAFF donations on helping those in need, Washington Gas pays all the program’s administrative fees.

Another essential part of this strategic alliance rests with the thousands of contributors that donate to WAFF each year. I applaud their commitment and generosity. I invite you to join us in this effort to make a difference in the lives of some of our neighbors.

The Salvation Army is involved in many programs in the area, ranging from homeless shelters and drug treatment, to disaster relief. A program that we are particularly proud to be a part of and that quietly helps so many is the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF).

WAFF was created by Washington Gas and The Salvation Army in 1983 to help those who find themselves in what can become a desperate, even life-threatening situations. Food, water, shelter and heat are equal partners in the social safety net. Studies have shown that the inability to pay winter heating bills is second only to the inability to pay rent or a mortgage as a reason for homelessness. Each winter, many low income households may have to choose between heating and eating, which is why an energy assistance program such as WAFF is so critical.

Since WAFF’s inception, more than 236,000 individuals have been able to heat their homes throughout the winters, no matter what the source of the heating fuel is used.

In a period of economic crises when unemployment is high, job hours are reduced or health benefits lowered, a growing number of individuals and families in the Washington area are being affected by the declining economy. I see it every day in our places of service. WAFF is no exception. We have seen significant increase in applications for fuel assistance. As the need grows, so will the demand upon the fund by people needing help.

Both organizations, while proud of WAFF’s purpose and accomplishments, are aware that donations from people who live in this region also make it a very valuable community resource. WAFF does not receive local or federal government funding. Also, you will appreciate knowing that 100% of every donation goes to help those in need because all administrative costs are covered by Washington Gas. We at The Salvation Army are deeply appreciative of each donation to WAFF and for the generous spirit it reflects.