Thanks to your generosity, MUM has continued … and will continue … to support the community during the COVID-19 emergency! A total of 480 local neighbors received food through MUM in July, and the number of people facing the need for food continues to rise. When Governor Larry Hogan’s emergency orders prohibiting evictions and utility cut-offs were lifted, MUM once again stepped in to support clients facing these emergencies.

We all know the challenges that the pandemic has presented. As the emergency continued into the Summer months, putting more of our neighbors at risk of hunger, eviction, and utility cut-off, the more typical challenges of Summer continued unabated. Because it takes more electricity to cool the average home than it does to operate any other appliance or accessory, all of our electric bills tend to be higher in the Summer. To those living paycheck-to-paycheck, that increase can mean a utility shutoff at the worst possible time. It can also mean having to make the difficult choices between food, medicine, and keeping the electricity on.

MUM helps with food scarcity by operating its food pantry. Although the main pantry, which has been closed since April 1, will remain closed through the end of the calendar year, mobile pantry dates continue, as outlined here in English and Spanish. MUM’s Sunday mobile pantry hours have continued to successfully serve our neighbors, as number served have steadily increased at the various locations around the area. You can see photos of our mobile events here.

MUM helps those who need help keeping their utilities on by working with utility companies to avoid cut-offs or facilitate service restoration, and by providing utility payment assistance to our clients who qualify. Read about how MUM can help with utilities here.

You can reach MUM at 301-929-8675 or office@mumhelp.org. MUM continues to check voicemail daily and return all phone calls. MUM will arrange drop-off/pick-up of food donations. If there is a need to schedule an appointment to further meet the need of a caller, one will be scheduled either by phone or in person.

Of course, MUM is part of a broad network of government and non-profit organizations working to support our neighbors in need. We have been able to enhance our support through partnerships with Capital Area Food Bank, MANNA, the Montgomery County Food Council, Montgomery County Government, local churches and other organizations, such as Here2Help, a grocery delivery effort started by local students.

AND we continue to rely on you! Your generosity is still needed and will make a difference in our community as we continue to navigate the unfamiliar realities we face. COVID precautions necessitated a change to a “virtual” Taste of Wheaton and postponement of Stamp Out Hunger (not yet rescheduled). MUM relies on these events each year to provide monetary and food donations, and their absence means that we need your direct donations more than ever. PLEASE remember our neighbors in need and donate to allow MUM to continue the work it has been successfully doing during this crisis! You can make a financial donation here.