Washington County Comm Action

Pros

• The staff here is excellent.
• The staff provide amazing service and a caring, attentive atmosphere.
• They are very helpful and inspired to guide people to the right resources.
• They always provide good food.
• The staff are caring and sweet and listen to people.
• Renee with rapid rehousing is fantastic and a huge help to those in need.
• The facility is an excellent resource for the Hagerstown area.
• The people are polite, eager to help, and supportive.
• They give clients the tools to work on their needs.
• Tammy is God-sent and the staff have been incredibly helpful.
• The site and its employees are greatly appreciated.
• The place is nice, clean, and easy to deal with.

Cons

• The Washington County Department of Social Services allegedly cut off the reviewer's EBT for months and misrepresented energy-assistance eligibility, causing late payments and credit damage.
• A CAC staff member is described as uncaring and discriminatory, showing no empathy and withholding needed assistance.
• CAC customer service on the phone is said to be terrible, with an agent unable to locate the file and hanging up.
• The supervisor and bus drivers were accused of rude, disrespectful, and discriminatory treatment toward the reviewer's autistic fianc?.
• The Maryland Energy Assistance program is criticized for not helping the needy or disabled and for mismanagement of funds.
• The reviewer was denied food pantry access due to not having a state-issued ID, despite possessing other acceptable IDs like a passport and voter ID.
• Wait times are described as very long, with staff seeming not to care.

Review

In the heart of Hagerstown, a community hub shines through the voices of those who rely on it most. Across a broad spectrum of experiences, the place is repeatedly described as a beacon of support where the people - especially the staff - make a real difference. Shouts of appreciation echo for the warmth, patience, and genuine willingness to help that many patrons say they encounter when they walk through the doors. The sentiment of gratitude is strongest when the staff go above and beyond, with some individuals singled out for their exceptional personal touch. One reviewer names Marsha as a standout staff member whose personality, intelligence, and respectful treatment of everyone left a lasting impression; she's described as bending over backward to assist people, and her departure is felt as a significant loss. Others echo similar praise: "The staff here is excellent," and "The people are very polite, eager to help and support you." The overall atmosphere is often described as caring, attentive, and supportive, a place where kindness is palpable and service feels personal.

Within this broad praise, several individuals and roles stand out as especially impactful. Renee, in the rapid rehousing program, is praised as "fantastic" and "a huge help," repeatedly framed as someone who is genuinely willing to help out people in need. Tammy is described as "God sent," with many commenters thanking her and the other women for their help during what has been an incredibly challenging period. The sentiment that staff members are not merely performing tasks but investing in people's well-being comes through clearly, with comments about being listened to, treated without judgment, and given tools to move forward rather than simply handed a stopgap. This responsiveness and respect underpin many positive stories about the center's food pantry options, housing resources, and general guidance.

There is also a strong thread of appreciation for the practical, day-to-day assistance the center provides. Several reviews highlight the facility's effectiveness in connecting people to food, shelter, and rent relief, and in offering pathways toward more stable living situations. One reviewer notes that the facility is "one of the only places that will try their best to help you if they can," emphasizing the tangible value of the services offered. The center is seen as an entry point for finding food pantry options, rental assistance, and referrals to other resources, with many reporting feeling heard and assisted rather than dismissed or ignored. Parking and the process of waiting their turn are acknowledged as imperfect, but the core experience remains one of hope and practical support.

Yet the overall narrative is not without its louder cautions and critiques. A recurring concern centers on the complexity and frustration of dealing with energy assistance programs and related bureaucracy. One reviewer warns explicitly: "Do NOT let Washington County Department of Social Services refer you to be dependent on their Energy Assistance Program." They recount a painful sequence in which their EBT was cut off for months over paperwork, followed by a later re-approval that did not deliver timely benefits, leading to late payments and negative impacts on credit history. The critique paints a picture of systemic missteps - late notices, miscommunications about eligibility, and slow processing - that sink the promise of help into frustrating delays. Another account describes a staff member at CAC who appeared indifferent and dismissive, suggesting that some experiences can feel unsympathetic or discriminatory, and that a sense of empathy can be uneven depending on who you encounter.

Communication challenges also surface in critiques of front-line and phone interactions. Several reviewers describe long wait times, the need to repeat their stories to multiple people, and occasionally poor customer service on the phone - instances where a file cannot be located or where calls are abruptly ended. The frustration isn't just about inconvenience; it's tied to trust and reliability, with people expressing that the system should be more navigable and consistent, especially when lives are in flux and they are counting on timely help. There are also pointed anecdotes about the experience of applying for food assistance tied to identity verification, including a case where a person with a US passport and other valid IDs was denied pantry access because a state-issued ID was required, prompting relief only through alternative sources like a local prison ministries program. These stories underscore how policy details can feel blocking when people are already at their most vulnerable.

Other critiques widen the scope to include transportation and front-desk interactions that color the overall impression of the organization. A notable set of comments targets the free bus service, described by some as problematic or even discriminatory. Reported issues include rude or unprofessional behavior from drivers and a sense that people with disabilities or special needs were not treated with the courtesy they deserved. This element of the experience contrasts sharply with the high praise for individual staff members, highlighting a tension between commendable personal care and less satisfactory organizational or systemic support. The same thread touches on concerns that some services appear to be unavailable or overbooked when they are needed most, leading to disappointment for families trying to move forward amid housing and food insecurity.

Despite these mixed experiences, the consensus remains that the organization is a vital lifeline for many in the community. The staff's compassion and dedication are consistently cited as the most hopeful and redeeming aspect of the visits, offering genuine care and practical pathways through challenging times. Reviewers repeatedly acknowledge that for some, the center is the difference between being overwhelmed and maintaining some sense of stability. The combination of heartfelt appreciation for individuals - like Marsha, Tammy, Renee, and others - and a frank, constructive critique of bureaucratic friction paints a nuanced portrait: a place that is deeply valued for the people who work there and the help they strive to provide, even as ongoing improvements are needed to ensure reliable, respectful, and timely service for all who come through its doors. In the end, the message is clear: this center remains a cornerstone of support in the community, celebrated for its humanity and commitment, while also inviting continuous refinement of its processes to better serve those who depend on it.

This part of Hagerstown, Maryland offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors. With a selection of restaurants nearby such as Schmankerl Stube and Broad Axe, there are plenty of dining options to enjoy. Close proximity to pharmacies like Magnolia Square Pharmacy and Epic Pharmacies ensures easy access to medical supplies and prescriptions. Additionally, there are several reputable physicians' offices in the area, including Massoud B Alizadeh and Partners In Pediatrics. For any emergency medical needs, Washington County Hospital is conveniently located within half a mile. The presence of parks like Hagerstown City Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, while cafes such as Rik's Cafe offer a cozy atmosphere for socializing with friends. Lastly, places of worship like St Joseph Catholic Church are accessible for spiritual fulfillment. This neighborhood is a well-rounded community with diverse offerings for seniors looking to settle down in Hagerstown.

Restaurants

• Schmankerl Stube (0.2 miles)
• Broad Axe (0.3 miles)
• Los Amigos (0.3 miles)
• Stadium Tavern (0.8 miles)
• Krumpe's Do-Nut Shop (1.1 miles)
• Foster's on the Point (1.5 miles)
• TGI Friday's (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Magnolia Square Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Epic Pharmacies (0.5 miles)
• Express Pharmacy - Professional Pharmacy Services (0.6 miles)
• Harold Collier (0.6 miles)
• Alternative Drug Alcohol (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)

Physicians

• Massoud B Alizadeh (0.5 miles)
• Retina Center of Western Maryland (0.5 miles)
• Partners In Pediatrics (0.6 miles)
• Sanicola Podiatry (0.6 miles)
• Primary Care Associates of Hagerstown (0.6 miles)
• The Children's Doctor (0.6 miles)
• Pediatric TLC (0.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Washington County Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Davita Hagerstown Dialysis (1.6 miles)
• Western Maryland Hospital Center (1.7 miles)
• Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (1.7 miles)
• Western MD State Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Meritus Health (2.5 miles)

Parks

• Hagerstown City Park (0.6 miles)
• Hagerstown Fairgrounds (0.9 miles)
• Woodland Way Park (1.1 miles)
• Doubs Woods Park (1.8 miles)

Cafes

• Rik's Cafe (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.7 miles)
• Free Range Cafe (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (2.1 miles)
• St Joseph Catholic Church (2.2 miles)