WGL Energy Services (WGL Energy) is among 53 companies and individuals who have helped to raise $125,000 to support the 2019 WAFF Ice House, on display January 18-19, 2019 at The Wharf on District Pier at D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront.

This year’s Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) Ice House is a 10-foot by 20-foot structure made from 98 ice blocks designed and built by Ice Lab. By simulating the harsh environment of a home without heat, its purpose is to raise awareness and connect visitors to WAFF’s mission of providing financial aid to low-to-moderate income families in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia who have difficulty paying their energy bills and who are faced with the challenges of living without heat.

With colder-than-usual winters here in the Washington, D.C. area in recent years, the importance of assisting area residents who cannot afford home heating has intensified. Fewer than 2 in 10 people eligible for federal energy assistance actually receive it, due to insufficient funds for meeting the growing demand. In addition, families living in poverty spend more than 30 percent of their income on energy bills.

WAFF helps to bridge this gap by making emergency funds available to those in need, helping them to pay their home heating bills. Since its inception in 1983, WAFF has disbursed more than $27 million in energy assistance, serving more than 294,000 people. In 2018 alone, more than $1.4 million was disbursed to more than 8,000 people.

WAFF is an initiative led by Washington Gas and the Salvation Army. Other program supporters include: NBC4, WTOP, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, Transcanada, The American Gas Association, The District Wharf Community Association, Pepco, Edison Electric Institute and more.

To learn more about WAFF or to donate, visit WAFFHelp.org.