How to get help (and help) during partial shutdown

The partial shutdown has thousands of government workers across the United States living without a paycheck. As the government shutdown continues, local businesses are offering ways to help furloughed workers, from flexible bill payments to discounts on food.

ARE YOU A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE?

  • Federal employees are able to use CapMetro services for free during the shutdown.
  • The Central Texas Food Bank set up an emergency distribution event at their Met Center location and is providing food for families during the government shutdown.
  •  Austin Energy is offering to postpone collection activity for 30 days and evaluate if the customer is eligible for assistance through some of their programs. And if the affected customer's utility has been disconnected due to non-payment, service will be restored.
  • Hopdoddy Burger Bar is offering a 25% discount for the remainder of the shutdown.
  • Austin's Pizza is now offering all government employees affected by the shutdown a 50% discount on their entire order.
  • Austin Diaper Bank is offering free diapers and diaper wipes to furloughed federal workers in Central Texas.
  • Whataburger is offering furloughed workers a free Taquito and coffee every morning

HOW CAN I HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE SHUTDOWN?

  • Donate to the Central Texas Food Bank For many government workers or others living paycheck to paycheck, this is the first time they’ve turned to the Food Bank to help make ends meet. You can donate money online, or bring some canned goods to the facility.
  • Donate the Texas AFL-CIO Food Drive The Texas AFL-CIO is part of a coalition holding a food drive in solidarity with federal workers affected by the government shutdown. Learn where you can go to donate here.
  • Donate to GoFundMe: The money raised on this GoFundMe will be distributed to nonprofit organizations that are offering general relief to government workers, including but not limited to, food, counseling, and housing support. Click here to donte. 
  • Donate to the Austin Diaper Bank: The organization is helping federal employees who have gone more than a month without a paycheck. Click here to donate.Donate to help the National Parks: National Park Foundation started a fundraiser to help foot the bill for fixing up the parks after the shutdown. People can also sign up to volunteer at national parks after the shutdown to help clean up. Donate here.
  • Call your representatives and the White House: Call, email, fax or send letters to members of Congress to tell them you support federal workers and want them back to work with pay as soon as possible. Get in touch with the White House here. 

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