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Thursday, November 6, 2025

Supporting Families During the Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown continues, I know many families across Montgomery County are feeling the strain – especially when it comes to putting food on the table. My office is here to help connect residents with trusted local partners, such as the Midcounty Hub at Harvest Intercontinental Church in Olney where I was able to volunteer last weekend. If you need help applying for or navigating food benefits like SNAP, MC Groceries, SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), WIC, or school meals, the Montgomery Food Council can provide one-on-one, bilingual assistance. Their trained Food Resource Specialists can also help you find local food distribution events and connect you to other essential services.   You can also explore the County’s Food Assistance Resources, which include:  Food Assistance: calendar of food distribution events in the County, meal and grocery delivery services, and more.   Food Assistance Resource Map: enter a zip code and it will show food resources in that area. Food Assistance Flowchart: supports residents in identifying food access supports.  No one in our community should face food insecurity alone. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out — I’m here to make sure every family in District 7 has the support they need.

Standing Up for Solutions to Homelessness

Photos from the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless "Standing With Solutions" rally to save federal Continuum of Care funding

With the federal government poised to cut funding that threatens housing for more than 500 County families, we gathered yesterday with the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless and partners to demand continued support for proven programs that help people get off the street, provide stability, and enable self-suffiency.

These drastic cuts would deplete funding to local jurisdictions that is supporting formerly homeless individuals, an unconscionable act that ignores the evidence about how successful the Continuum of Care is at ending homelessness.

At Seneca Heights apartments in Gaithersburg, we heard personal testimony from a resident who has recently found housing about how the permanent supportive housing funded by this program works to save lives. We're committed to filling as much of the gap as we can on the local level. And we won't stop fighting to protect these programs that do so much for so many.

Join us Next Wednesday for our Olney Public Safety Town Hall

Olney Public Safety Town Hall Flyer

I hope you’ll join me for two upcoming Public Safety Town Halls in District 7 to discuss local public safety priorities, ask questions, and hear directly from law enforcement and other important County leaders. These conversations are a great way to learn what’s working and where we need more support.

• Olney: Wednesday, November 12 at 7:00 PM - William H. Farquhar Middle School Cafeteria 
• Damascus: Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 PM - Damascus High School Cafeteria 

Your feedback helps shape how we make our neighborhoods safer and stronger. I look forward to seeing you there! 

Investing in Smarter, Cleaner School Transportation

One of the Concept Plans for the future redevelopment of the current Crabbs Branch Way MCPS Bus Depot near the Shady Grove Metro

This week, the Council approved the next step in relocating buses from the Crabbs Branch Way MCPS Bus Depot to make way for the long envisioned park, housing, and community-serving retail on the site. I'm proud to have worked with the Derwood and Shady Grove community, who have been persistent and patient advocates through many years of trying to get this project off the ground.

The community never stopped pushing for the vision of this community first detailed in the area's 2006 Sector Plan. Thank you County Executive Marc Elrich, his team, and MCPS for working collaboratively to find this solution - moving buses and maintenance facilities to newly available industrial properties better suited for this type of use.

In The Community...

Top: Councilmember Luedtke and Councilmember Balcombe at the Montgomery County Diwali celebration. Bottom left: Councilmember Luedtke at It's Olney Time at the Olney Farmers Market. Bottom right: Councilmember Luedtke speaking at the "Restoring the Ranks" conference on local efforts to better recruit law enforcement officers

MCPS Mental Health Awareness Week 

MCPS is participating in 2025 Mental Health Awareness Week from Nov. 3-8. Don’t miss the Mental Health and Wellness fair this Saturday, November 8 from 10 AM–2 PM at Gaithersburg High school, 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg. This free event will include workshops, community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness, a student forum, line dancing, zumba and yoga! RSVP to attend. 

Town Hall on Reconciliation - Nov. 22 

The Montgomery County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation will a host a community town hall on “What does reconciliation mean to you?” at 2 PM on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring. The event will feature local and national experts, small group discussions and opportunities for residents to help shape future reconciliation efforts in our county. Registration is open now! 

MyFedBenefits Shutdown Assistance Map

The Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM) was created to help federal employees affected by the government shutdown find the support they need, both locally and at the national level. Search the map to see offers of assistance and resources available to you. 

Unemployment Benefits 

If you are furloughed due to the federal government shutdown and your lost official duty station was in Maryland, or you are a federal contractor who worked in Maryland, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the State of Maryland. Retroactive pay must be repaid if awarded after the shutdown. Find out if you are eligible! 

Federal Shutdown Loan Program 

If you are an “excepted” federal employee (also called “essential”) working during a federal government shutdown without pay, you may be eligible for a no-interest loan through Maryland’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program. The Federal Shutdown Loan Program offers a zero-interest $700 loan to applicants. This loan is to be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends, giving workers time to receive their back pay from the federal government. 

STEM Fellowship Opportunity

The Sandra Lee Heyman Foundation is accepting applications from current high school sophomores for its next class of STEM Career Awareness Fellowships. This three-semester program is for any student interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or related fields. Learn more.

Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co. Coat Drive

Through Nov. 23, Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co. in Olney is collecting winter coat, glove, and hat donations to distribute to those in-need. Just drop by the Taproom to donate!

Honoring Our Veterans 

Montgomery County is recognizing Veterans Day with a series of events across the County, including concerts, ceremonies, and the “Operation Green Light” tribute from Nov. 4-11, when County buildings will shine green to honor those who served. Residents are encouraged to display a green light at home or their business and attend local observances in Bethesda. Rockville, Gaithersburg, Wheaton, and Silver Spring! Learn more or share your event with the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs. 

Update on Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship Program

The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) helps thousands of working families afford quality care, but the current enrollment freeze is creating real challenges for providers and parents. Families should still apply–MSDE is maintaining a waitlist and applying now shows the state that demand remains high. The freeze does not apply to families receiving TANF, TCA, or SSI benefits, or to siblings of children already enrolled. Free Pre-K seats also remain available for income-eligible families. 

Celebrate America Recycles Day! 

Do you have old tax documents, bank statements, or other sensitive papers piling up? Bring them to this community drop-off event for secure, on-site shredding and eco-friendly recycling at no additional cost. It’s a great way to protect your personal information and help the planet! The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites you to a special Confidential Paper Shredding & Recycling Event on Saturday, November 15 from 10 AM–2 PM at Montgomery College, Lot 13. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

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