YOur home, Our Home

A message from Our founding partners

Each year, thousands of our neighbors endure extreme cold in their homes because they simply can’t afford to pay their energy bills. We created the Washington Area Fuel Fund more than 42 years ago to help people get through the winter months. 

WAFF exemplifies our commitment to the communities we serve and fulfills our pledge to give time and resources to organizations and projects that provide essential services to the community. Keeping communities warm is a fundamental part of our mission, and we can achieve this goal through WAFF. 

WAFF is one of the few charities where every dollar you donate goes straight to someone in need. That’s because Washington Gas pays all administrative costs of the program. Our respected partner, The Salvation Army, manages the disbursement of all donated funds working directly with applicants. This wonderful program is only successful with your generosity.

On behalf of our many recipients, I thank the thousands of contributors who donate to WAFF each year for their steadfast commitment and generosity. I invite you to join us in this work to bring heat to families in need.

Blue Jenkins, President & CEO, Washington Gas and WGL Holdings, Inc.

The Salvation Army is proud to be part of the Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) and the generous spirit it reflects.

We are involved in many programs in the area, ranging from homeless shelters and drug treatment to disaster relief. Created by Washington Gas and The Salvation Army in 1983, WAFF helps those who find themselves in desperate, sometimes life-threatening situations.

Food, water, shelter, and heat are equal partners in the social safety net. Studies show that the secondary cause of homelessness is the inability to pay winter heating bills, which is only behind the inability to pay rent or a mortgage. Each winter, many vulnerable homes may have to choose between heating and eating. Since WAFF’s inception, more than 320,000 individuals have been able to heat their homes throughout the winter, no matter what heating fuel source is used.

During periods of economic uncertainty or high unemployment, the first effects people feel are reduced job hours or fewer health benefits. When people’s basic needs grow, so does the demand upon the fuel fund.

This is neighbors taking care of neighbors. You will appreciate knowing that 100% of every donation goes to help those in need because all administrative costs are covered by Washington Gas. WAFF does not receive local or federal government funding.

Your donations make the difference.