Our History

Gaithersburg HELP evolved from a vision that started in 1968. The faith community of Gaithersburg recognized that emergencies can happen at a moment’s notice, yet government assistance often takes time. To meet the immediate needs of families affected by financial challenges, local churches and synagogues joined together to form Gaithersburg HELP in an effort to provide short-term assistance in a coordinated fashion.

Today, our network comprises more than 22 member congregations and over 200 volunteers working together to help those in need within the greater Gaithersburg area. We also receive substantial support from local businesses and civic organizations. A team of committed translators helps us serve our diverse community, especially Spanish-speaking clients.

Gaithersburg HELP is governed by the leadership of a Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of an Executive Committee and delegates from each of our member congregations; bi-monthly meetings are open to the public.

For 50 years, Gaithersburg HELP has supported local residents in need by providing food, transportation, and other services. Here’s a snapshot of how we made a difference.

In 2016, Gaithersburg HELP provided assistance for more than 6,000 situations:

• 3,569 food packages, each containing a 3-5 day food supply
• 1,282 diaper/formula packages
• 869 rides to medical and social services appointments
• 332 essential prescription medications funded

Our Vision

As a vital neighbor-helping-neighbor link in a countywide network of providers, Gaithersburg HELP strives to assist clients with food, transportation, prescription medications, and other basic needs.

Our Mission

Gaithersburg HELP provides individuals and families in the Gaithersburg area with basic needs assistance, to the extent resources are available, and provides them with information and/or a referral to other organizations and agencies. We accomplish this mission through the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors.

Service Area

To see if you are located within our Service Area Click Here. 

Our service area includes all of zip codes 20877, 20878, 20879, 20880, and 20886, plus parts of:
20850 (west of Shady Grove Rd and north of Piney Meetinghouse Rd)
20855 (west of Redland Rd/Muncaster Rd)
20882 (south of Brink Rd and west of Olney-Laytonsville Rd)

We have an overview of our service area on our website and below that is an interactive service area map where you can type your address and it will pin it on the map below that bar to put your address and if that dot is with the inside of the dark blue lines then you are not within our service area. If outside of it then you are not in our service area and can't be a client of ours, unfortunately. However, you can see the other "HELP" Organizations we have in Montgomery County, MD and maybe you'll fall within their service area..

NOTE: For services, not all "HELP" Organizations offer Transportation but we are one that does. All of us offer Food/Infant Needs, Prescription RX, & Other financial Help.