USSFCU's $75K Donation a Lifeline for DC-Area Nonprofits

ALEXANDRIA, VA – December 17, 2025 – As winter tightens its grip and holiday demand for essential services surges, the United States Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) is injecting a critical $75,000 into the region's social safety net. The donation is being distributed among seven key nonprofits battling hunger and homelessness, offering a much-needed boost during their busiest season.

In a move underscoring their hands-on approach, USSFCU's President & CEO Timothy L. Anderson and other members of the leadership team have spent the final weeks of December personally delivering the funds. This direct engagement reinforces the credit union's long-standing philosophy of "people helping people," transforming a corporate donation into a tangible act of community partnership.

A Critical Lifeline Amidst Surging Need

This financial support arrives at a moment of intense pressure for the Washington metropolitan area. Regional food insecurity remains at a crisis level, with recent data from the Capital Area Food Bank indicating that 36% of residents—approximately 1.5 million people—struggled to access sufficient food over the past year. The situation is worsening for the most vulnerable, as the number of adults experiencing "very low food security," which includes skipping meals, has surged to 820,000.

Economic headwinds, including inflation that has outpaced wage growth by a significant margin and recent reductions in federal SNAP benefits, have compounded the crisis. Local families are increasingly forced to make impossible choices between buying food and paying for housing, utilities, or medicine. This strain is felt acutely by area nonprofits, which have seen a dramatic rise in demand. The Maryland Food Bank, for instance, reported a 200% increase in food pickups from its partner organizations this year.

Simultaneously, homelessness in the metro area has increased for the second consecutive year, with a 12% rise in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness from 2023 to 2024. As temperatures drop, the demand for shelter and warm clothing skyrockets, placing immense strain on organizations like Carpenter's Shelter, which provides a haven for families in need. USSFCU's contribution directly addresses these intersecting crises, providing resources when they are most desperately needed.

Empowering the Frontline Responders

The $75,000 is being strategically allocated to organizations that form the backbone of the region's emergency response network. The recipients include Carpenter's Shelter ($10,000), Capital Area Food Bank ($10,000), SOME (So Others Might Eat) ($15,000), Maryland Food Bank ($10,000), Blue Ridge Area Food Bank ($10,000), Manna Food Center ($10,000), and ALIVE! ($10,000).

For these organizations, such donations are vital. A $15,000 contribution to SOME, a D.C.-based human services agency, supports its comprehensive "whole-person care" model, which provides everything from daily meals to addiction treatment and job training. With over 90% of donations going directly to services, the funds will help provide some of the 224,000 meals they served last year or support graduates of their employment program, who achieve an average hourly wage of nearly $20.

The $10,000 directed to the Capital Area Food Bank will help sustain its massive distribution network, which provided food for 64 million meals last year. This funding is crucial for programs that deliver fresh produce to food deserts and provide monthly groceries for seniors. Similarly, the donation to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank supports its efforts to reach 171,200 people each month across a vast 25-county area in central and western Virginia, where rural food insecurity is a major challenge.

At Carpenter's Shelter in Alexandria, the $10,000 donation, supplemented by a recent coat drive held by the credit union, will directly aid families transitioning out of homelessness. The funds help support case managers who create tailored plans for permanent housing and can contribute to the over $1 million in short-term rental assistance the shelter provides annually.

"Our commitment goes beyond writing a check—it's about showing up for our community," said Timothy L. Anderson, President & CEO of USSFCU. "Food banks and service organizations are doing critical work during the busiest time of the year. It was important to us not only to provide financial assistance, but to visit each nonprofit in person and hear directly about the impact they are making."

A Philosophy of "People Helping People"

This year-end giving is not an isolated act of charity but a reflection of a core principle embedded in USSFCU's identity. As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, its mission is fundamentally different from that of a traditional for-profit bank. Instead of generating profits for shareholders, credit unions reinvest their earnings back into their members and communities through better rates, lower fees, and robust community support programs.

This donation is part of a consistent, long-term pattern of philanthropy. In just the past two years, USSFCU has contributed well over $100,000 to similar causes, including a $65,000 distribution in January 2024 and a $56,000 round of donations in December 2024. This sustained commitment demonstrates that community reinvestment is a central pillar of its operations, not a peripheral marketing effort.

The "people helping people" philosophy is a hallmark of the credit union movement, which positions these institutions as key community partners. Their cooperative structure allows them to be highly responsive to local needs, embedding themselves in the fabric of the communities they serve and mobilizing resources to address pressing social issues like hunger, housing instability, and financial literacy.

Beyond the Check: A Hands-On Community Commitment

USSFCU's engagement extends far beyond financial contributions. The personal visits by leadership to each nonprofit are a testament to their desire for genuine partnership.

"Being able to meet these organizations face-to-face was incredibly meaningful for our team," added Eduardo Villanueva, Engagement & Events Manager. "We see firsthand how much dedication goes into supporting families, and we're proud to play even a small part in helping them continue their mission."

This hands-on approach is further evidenced by other recent initiatives. A "Coats, Cans and Toys" drive engaged members and staff in collecting physical goods for those in need, while staff volunteers recently helped the Salvation Army sort donations for its Angel Tree Program.

Looking toward the future, the credit union has further formalized its commitment by launching the USSFCU Foundation in August 2025. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to advancing financial literacy, wellness, and inclusion. By partnering with shelters, schools, and community centers, the foundation aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed for financial stability, addressing one of the root causes of poverty and hardship. This strategic focus on education complements its emergency support, creating a holistic approach to building a more resilient and equitable community.