Standing with You: Essential Resources for Navigating the Government Shutdown

 

These are heavy days. With the U.S. federal government now in a shutdown, many people—federal employees, contractors, nonprofit staff, and communities—are facing sudden financial strain, uncertainty, and anxiety. You are not alone, and there are resources being mobilized to help.

Below, you’ll find up-to-date support options, tips, and strategies. Share them, bookmark them, and lean on what you can in this moment.

1. Know Your Rights & Legal Protections

Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA) of 2019

This law ensures that most federal employees who are furloughed or forced to work without pay during a lapse in appropriations will receive retroactive pay once the government reopens. 

If someone tries to tell you otherwise, you can cite this law.

2. Financial & Hardship Assistance

FEEA (Federal Employees Education & Assistance Fund)

They often offer micro-grants and no-interest Emergency Hardship Loans to help cover essentials like groceries, gas, diapers, and more. 

If the shutdown continues long enough that pay is missed, FEEA may open a Shutdown Grant application. 

Local & State Programs

• In Montgomery County, MD, they’ve put together a resource page to support impacted federal employees, contractors, and families with rent, utilities, food, and more. 
• In Maryland, there are virtual and in-person workshops for former federal workers and federal contractors to help with reemployment and transition. 
• Fairfax County, VA is coordinating with nonprofits and community organizations to assist with basic needs (food, rent, utilities) during the shutdown. 

If your county or state has a similar “shutdown resources” page, that’s a good first stop. (You can often find it via your county government website.)

Crowdsourced Networks / Spreadsheets of Help

Many federal employees and allied groups are compiling shared spreadsheets of organizations helping those impacted—local charities, mutual aid programs, food pantries, etc. 

These aren’t always verified, so use your judgment, and share them cautiously with proper disclaimers.

Nonprofits & Community Organizations

Nonprofits are stepping in to fill gaps—especially around food, shelter, health care, counseling, and emergency relief. 

If you have connections with local nonprofits, reach out and see what supports are available in your neighborhood.

3. Practical Money & Lifestyle Strategies

• Prioritize essentials: Focus on housing, utilities, and food first.
• Communicate with creditors or service providers: Many utility companies, landlords, or lenders may offer short-term relief or forbearance, especially in crises.
• Use emergency funds wisely: If you have some savings, allocate them carefully across your most necessary expenses.
• Explore bridge loans: Some organizations or credit unions may offer short-term relief loans. (Check interest, terms, and fees.)
• Reimagine income streams: If possible, consider side gigs, part-time work, or freelance projects that can be done remotely or flexibly.

4. Wellness, Mental Health & Connection

Emotional strain is real. Anxiety, stress, fear—they can feel overwhelming. So:

• Seek out free or low-cost counseling services. Some groups are offering support specifically for public service workers. 
• Stay connected with your community, tribe, and sisters—talk, listen, lean in.
• Carve out small pockets of rest—breathing, journaling, prayer, walks, listening to podcasts.
• Use online support groups or social media threads (if they’re not draining) where people share resources, encouragement, and solidarity.

5. For Nonprofits & Grant-Based Projects

If your work or mission depends on federal funding, here are some proactive steps:

• Contact your grantor or agency early.

Ask:

Can invoices or reimbursements be submitted ahead of time?

Is there flexibility in deadlines or performance requirements?

Are there contingency plans already published?

• Diversify revenue streams—more individual donors, corporate sponsors, local grants—not just federal contracts. 
• Plan for delays in funding or payments and budget accordingly. 
• Advocate: Write to your congressional representatives and share how the shutdown is hurting on-the-ground nonprofits and communities. 

6. Stay Informed & Stay Vocal

• Monitor the shutdown’s progress (news, congressional updates).
• Watch for any changes or new legislation (childcare relief proposals, funding bills) that affect your situation. 
• Speak your truth—lawmakers need to hear how this impacts real people. Your voice matters.

These are extraordinary times. Many of us are walking a tightrope between uncertainty and resilience. If you’re feeling stretched thin, know this: your strength is seen. If you have even a little space, reach out—to a sister, a friend, a neighbor. We are stronger when we share burdens and lift one another up.