Assistance Programs Launch for Furloughed Federal Workers in DC Region
As the government shutdown continues, many federal workers in the D.C. region are feeling the financial strain. Numerous assistance programs have been established to support those affected by furloughs and loss of income. The following outlines various resources available to help federal employees during this challenging time.
Assistance Programs for Furloughed Federal Workers
- Food Resources
- Capital Area Food Bank: Provides free food distribution at various locations for furloughed workers.
- World Central Kitchen: Offers free meals on weekdays for federal workers and their families.
- Archdiocese of Baltimore: Assists with meals, housing, and food services through Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul Society.
- Utility Assistance
- Pepco and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company: Offer flexible payment options and waive late fees for impacted customers.
- WSSC Water: Suspending service turnoffs and waiving late fees for qualifying customers.
- Washington Gas: Reopened applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- Financial Support
- Credit unions are providing loans and payment assistance for furloughed workers.
- Navy Federal Credit Union is offering loans up to $6,000 to eligible members.
- USAA is facilitating special loan arrangements and payment plans for affected members.
- State-Specific Aid
- Virginia: Federal employees and contractors cannot be evicted during the shutdown.
- Maryland: Governor Wes Moore announced free MARC train and commuter bus rides for federal employees with proper ID.
- Montgomery County: Mental health services are available via the Archdiocese of Baltimore for those in need.
Details on Key Support Services
For food resources, workers need to show a government ID at distributions. Key locations include:
- No Limits Outreach Ministries, Hyattsville, MD
- Seneca Creek Community Church, Gaithersburg, MD
- United Community, Alexandria, VA
- Urban Outreach, Washington, D.C.
- LindaBen Foundation, Beltsville, MD
Public utility companies like Pepco offer an Assistance Finder tool to help customers identify available programs. For those struggling with bills, it’s advisable to reach out to your bank or credit union for potential relief options.
This ongoing support aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by numerous federal workers and their families during this period. As organizations and communities come together, the hope is to provide necessary assistance until the government resumes normal operations.
