Federal workers affected by the partial government shutdown are feeling a financial squeeze, but there are many ways citizens are working to ease the stress.
About 800,000 federal employees on furlough or working without pay missed their first payday on Jan. 11, forcing many households to bridge the financial gap by cutting back on purchases and turning to public assistance.
If there's any silver lining, it's that the public has tried to help those in need, from celebrity chef Jose Andres' free kitchen to citizen Laniera Jones' list of resources for workers.
One way to help is by calling your Senator or Representative and voicing your opinion to their staff.
Here are some more ways that you can help federal workers during the government shutdown:
Donate
You can donate money to one of the area's foremost food banks.
World Central Kitchen #ChefsForFeds: Direct Donation
World Central Kitchen is open in D.C. to feed federal workers. You can donate directly to Jose Andres' charity on their website.
#ChefsForFeds: GoFundMe to Feed Furloughed Workers
The organizer says that money raised through this GoFundMe goes to Andres' World Central Kitchen.
The kitchen, at 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, near the United States Navy Memorial, is set to be open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's serving a "rotating menu of hot meals, sandwiches and salads," a statement from the nonprofit said.
This organization hands out pads, tampons and other feminine hygiene products to those in need. You can find a list of places to drop off donations here.
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Homes and businesses throughout the area have sites where you can drop brand new and unexpired diapers, formula, bottles, wipes and more. You can also donate some gently-used baby furniture, like baby bathtubs and soft-sided, front baby carriers.
Find all the places to drop off donations here. You can also donate money online.
Greater Washington Community Foundation
The Greater Washington Community Foundation has run its Resilience Fund since 2017 to cover for those impacted by budget impasses, and they are currently providing assistance to smaller nonprofits aiding everyone affected by the current shutdown. You can donate to their fund here.
Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless
The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless provides services for those in the midst of homelessness or a housing crisis. They are accepting donations and volunteers.
The Manna Food Center accepts donations of food and money. You can also volunteer.
National Park Restoration Fund
The National Park Foundation is raising money to fund clean-up and restoration once the shutdown is over. Donate here.
Prince George's County Public Schools are fundraising to give kids in affected families free breakfast and dinner during the shutdown. Donate here.
PayItFurloughed.com: Buy a Beer for a Fed
Sipping a cold beer is a great way to pass the time on furlough. PayItFurloughed.com allows you to buy one or more beers that the site will give away to a federal worker. All the beers are from local craft breweries. Donations start at $7.50.
The Rock Creek Conservancy says it will help with any needed fixes when the shutdown ends.
This faith-based nonprofit based in Montgomery Village is devoted to providing safety net services for those dealing with low-income or hunger.
Volunteer
Arlington Food Assistance Center
From packing boxes to driving deliveries, there's lots to help out with at this Arlington food pantry. You can also donate money or food.
Make an account and sign up for a shift to help feed anyone suffering food insecurity in our area.
Collect Trash at National Park Sites
Many National Parks are technically open to visitors during the shutdown, but trash collection has stopped. Check the forecast and head to a park with a trash bag to scoop up some litter. Take precautions: Check the weather before you go, make sure trails are safe and consider wearing protective gloves.
Sign up ahead of time for volunteer shifts or offer to host a diaper drive at your home.
Interfaith Works is currently providing assistance to Montgomery County residents through its Emergency Assistance Coalition, which connects furloughed workers to human services.
The Manna Food Center accepts donations of food and money. You can also volunteer.
Year-round, UPO and volunteers work to fight poverty throughout D.C. with education, community health, job training and youth services programs.
