FREE Home Energy Audits for Veterans and Active Military from SMECO!

Patriot Connect

Patriot Connect is a SMECO program designed to help veterans and active military personnel who may be having a difficult time transitioning back into the community.

As reports in the media indicate, the high incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military personnel has been at the root of an increased number of suicides. Nationally, as many as 22 veterans commit suicide every day, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For vets who may be unable to cope, dealing with a termination notice from SMECO could be the last straw. So we are reaching out to the men and women who have served our country in an effort to help prevent an unnecessary tragedy.

What is SMECO doing?

For new customers, SMECO’s customer service personnel are empowered to waive the service application fee and the customer deposit for eligible veterans and military personnel.

For existing customers, customer service personnel may grant an extension for eligible veterans or active military personnel in need of assistance.

Working with local agencies:

SMECO is working with local agencies that provide services to veterans and military personnel, as well as organizations that provide funds to support veterans, because these agencies can help promote this program to the people who need it.

What is SMECO’s goal?

Our goal is to help someone who is suffering from a stress disorder get one step closer to a normal life. By making it easier for people with PTSD, combat stress, or related trauma to accomplish everyday tasks, we hope to help customer-members—people who have risked their lives in service to our country—with reintegrating into the community.

For Bill Payment Assistance:

Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs
Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee 
301-274-4474, 301-475-5574, 301-870-3770, or 410-535-1010

Prince George’s County Department of Social Services 
301-909-6300

For Financial Assistance:

Semper Fi Fund (Post-9/11 wounded)
760-725-3680

Three Oaks Homeless Shelter
301-863-9535

Veterans Trust Fund, Maryland Dept. of Veterans Affairs (Veterans only)
410-974-2399

VFW/American Legion Posts (Veterans only)

Salvation Army/WAFF
301-638-9532 (Call for an appointment)

Lifestyles of Maryland
301-609-9900

Interfaith Community Connection 
301-374-9028

Calvert County Department of Social Services 
443-550-6900

Charles County Department of Social Services 
301-392-6400

St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services 
240-895-7000 or 240-725-5700

For Other Assistance:

Maryland Commitment to Veterans 
(Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)
410-725-9993

Southern Maryland JobSource 
Prince Frederick - 443-550-6750
Waldorf - 301-645-8712
Leonardtown - 301-880-2800