The following resources are available to furloughed workers in Washington state struggling to make ends meet during the government shutdown and gap in paychecks.
FOOD
Northwest Harvest is teaming with Safeway and Albertsons to help feed those furloughed families.
You can make donations at store locations all across Western Washington beginning Wednesday or by visiting the Northwest Harvest web site.
Seattle Area Chief Petty Officers Association opened a Food Pantry in the CPO Mess 3rd deck of Building 7. The pantry is open Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. to all “AD CG, Reserve on AD, CG Civilians effected by the shutdown.”
FINANCIAL
Many Washington Bankers Association (WBA) member banks announced special rate short-term loans, with low or zero interest rates, as a way to help families impacted by the shutdown. Other banks are working with clients and waiving fees.
FAMILY RESOURCES
This Seattle non-profit is providing diapers and other supplies for new parents.
MEOW Cat Rescue is offering free cat food to affected cat owners.
Seattle Humane is offering resources from their Pet Food Bank to federal employees.
Donations are being collected at Sea-Tac International Airport to help federal workers affected by the shutdown.
ENTERTAINMENT
Seattle Symphony: "Starting today, the Seattle Symphony is offering free tickets to all furloughed Federal employees for concerts through June 2019. Just present your government ID at the Ticket Office or call 206.215.4747 to reserve your seats!"
Crystal Mountain: "We're proud to offer free midweek lift tickets for federal employees during government shutdown. Offer valid Jan. 17-Feb. 1 (excluding weekends & 1/21/19.)"
Seattle Art Museum: "Calling all federal employees—you and your immediate family are welcome at SAM for free during the US government shutdown! Just let us know who you work for when you get to the Ticketing Desk and then enjoy some art."
Henry Art Gallery: "The Henry welcomes furloughed federal employees to enjoy our galleries for free throughout the shutdown. Some of the current work in our galleries could not have been created without the resources of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other federal agencies. We value the work that they do!"
Yogasmith Seattle: "To Washington State federal employees who are out of work due to the Trump shutdown, come take Yoga classes as my guest until you are once again receiving a paycheck. It won’t help pay your rent or put food on your table, but it will help you manage the amount of stress you are now experiencing."
"Here is my weekly teaching schedule: Tuesdays at 6pm, Thursdays at 6pm, Thursdays at 7:30pm-Men’s class, Saturdays at 9am, Sundays at 10am-Men’s class. Just show up, introduce yourself to me, and roll out a mat with us."