We have compiled these resources from various businesses and organizations. The government shutdown began on October 1.
ANNOUNCED NOV. 3: Community organizations will host a resource event for federal employees who are impacted by the government shutdown on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 6-7 at First Baptist Church of Huntsville. The hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Please bring your government ID. Read more.
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.
- Navy Federal Credit Union – offers 0% loans during furlough.
Food/Grocery Assistance
- FoodFinder – connects the people looking for emergency food to the programs and places that offer it.
- House of the Harvest – free breakfast served on Saturdays from 6:45 to 8:30 a.m. and food distribution every Saturday from 7:15 to 9 a.m. Location: 9144 Wall Triana Hwy, Harvest, AL 35749.
- 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.
- Food Bank of North Alabama – plans mobile pantries for people affected by the shutdown and will post the times and dates here as they’re finalized.
- St. Mark’s Lutheran, Huntsville – Grace & Groceries every Tuesday in November from 6-7 p.m. Come get a hot meal and a bag of groceries in the back parking lot, no questions asked. Address: 200 Longwood Drive SE, Huntsville AL 35801.
- St. Vincent de Paul – distributes food and provides financial assistance.
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.
- Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy – Offers tuition assistance and deadline extensions to families of Fantasy impacted by the shutdown.
Restaurants
- Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar – invites all federal employees that have been affected by the government shutdown. All guests that show a federal ID on Saturdays will receive 10% off their dine in or carry out order.
