We have compiled these resources from various businesses and organizations. The government shutdown began on October 1.
Do you know of a resource not listed below? Please email the information and a link (if applicable) to [email protected].
Financial Assistance
- Redstone Federal Credit Union – offering relief loans for affected members. Federal employees, contractors and service members can borrow up to $5,000 at 1.5% interest with no payment due for 60 days. Approved applicants can receive funds the same day.
- USAA Government Shutdown Program – offers no-interest loans and other payment relief options from $500 to $6,000
- Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund – offers an Emergency Hardship Loan program and Shutdown Grants for qualifying full-time federal civilian employees
- AFL-CIO – furloughed employees who are prevented from working may qualify for benefits but must repay them after they receive backpay (if and when their jobs resume after the government shutdown).
- Chase Bank – offers a special line for U.S. government employees affected by the shutdown
- Regions Bank – deposit free refunds, loan payment assistance, deferrals, etc.
- CitiBank – Ensuring accounts will not age delinquent or be suspended or cancelled.
Food/Grocery Assistance
- Manna House – offers fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, bakery, meats, etc. three nights a week.
- Refuge Church – open every Wednesday from 5-7pm at their Harvest campus. Offers free groceries and household items to anyone who needs a little extra help.
- OneGenerationAway – hosts grocery giveaways and mobile food pantries with a “no questions asked” motto.
Utilities/Bills
- Huntsville Utilities – will not charge a late fee to any customers or turn off service due to a nonpayment during shutdown
- Cell Phone Bills – most cell phone companies such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are offering short-term payment solutions
Child Development Centers
Information from Redstone Rocket about Childcare, Youth Programs, and School Lunch programs:
- Child Care Fees – Parents will be responsible to pay for care provided during a government shutdown. Child care fees will be collected for services rendered after an appropriations bill or continuing resolution (CR) is passed. Once the CR is passed, families will have 30 days to pay the balance for care that was billed during the furlough. Late payments will not be assessed during the furlough period. Note: Late payments will be applied 31 business days after the enactment of an appropriations bill or CR. **Regular CYS Procedures for non-payment will be implemented 31 days after the enactment of an appropriations bill or CR.
- CDC/Youth Programs – Youth Centers should remain open with no decrement to service operations, and in accordance with the Installation Commander’s guidance. Youth Sports & Fitness. While the parent will be billed for the service, they will not be required to pay until 30 days after the enactment of an appropriations bill or CR. **Regular CYS Procedures for non-payment will be implemented 31 days after the enactment of an appropriations bill or CR.
- AAFES PX will remain open.
- AAFES School Lunch Program – Students will continue to receive meals at school. Full priced and reduced-price qualifying students will incur the appropriate charge however the account can go into the negative. No actions will be taken on debts until after families receive their back pay. If a family is experiencing difficulties in their communications with AAFES, please contact your local CYS School Liaison Officer for assistance.
- Parents who are interested in applying for free or reduced lunch please go to the following link. https://linqconnect.com/main Select “School Services” & click “Free & Reduced Meal Application” When applying, Do NOT include housing allowance/LQA in calculations of income.
Mental Health & Wellness
- 211 Help Line – free, confidential connection to thousands of health and human services programs from food banks and hosting assistance to job training and mental health resources. Available 24/7 in most areas by phone or online.
- 988 Lifeline – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – caring counselors are available 24/7 to talk with you.
- Wellfed – offers three recurring weekly virtual programs designed to support professionals navigating career transitions
- Justice Connection – developed a list of mental health support resources for federal employees
- Technologists for the Public Good – offers free, confidential counseling for furloughed workers through Empower to Work
Recreation
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center – offering a 50% discount for government employees
