Despite Republican control of the House, Senate, and White House, the U.S. Government remains shut down. Everyday Americans are suffering as a result of this inability to govern. But we know this crisis didn’t come out of nowhere. It comes after nine months of relentless, reckless attacks on immigrants, the rule of law, and deep cuts to health care and other essential services our families rely on. It’s part of a broader agenda to dismantle the rights of working people while protecting the wealthy and powerful.
Congressional Republicans should be focused on lowering costs for families. Instead, they have cowed to their billionaire donors and are working to further an agenda rooted in racism, white supremacy, and crushing working families in order to line their pockets. We can see this on full display in the harmful rhetoric we see them spewing in relation to our first amendment rights to gather and protest peacefully.
In times like this, support systems are more important than ever. If you or someone you know is being affected by the federal government’s inability to govern, please see some available resources below.
General Resources
Thanks to Republicans in office choosing to serve their wealthy benefactors over the people, many Americans will see their everyday costs increase, especially when it comes to health care costs. “Out-of-pocket premiums will increase on average by 107 percent for rural county residents compared to 89 percent for urban county residents—on top of national median increases of 18 percent.” (The Century Foundation)
We also know that Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” centers his and his billionaire super donors’ needs. They want to gut funding for child care and Head Start, and they said as much in Project 2025. They know these programs are a lifeline for families, especially those in rural communities, and their actions clearly state: they do not care.
Emergency Food Assistance
Though are organizing and mobilizing to meet this crisis head on, we still need to put food on the table and a roof over our heads. For folks receiving food stamps, you should have been notified about recent changes to the SNAP program that went into effect on October 1. Read more about the changes from our friends at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon here.
If you’re in need of emergency food assistance, please visit our friends at the Oregon Food Bank. Their network of more than 1,200 partners across the state are here to support. See more on their website here, and find a food pantry near you at OregonFoodFinder.org.
Support for Federal Employees
Financial Assistance From Credit Unions and Banks
- The United States Senate Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest loans for 90-days of up to $5,000 during the shutdown. This credit union is not just for Senate employees. Federal employees can become a member of this credit union by becoming a member of the American Consumer Council, the US Capitol Historical Association, or the Senate Federal Credit Union Foundation and are eligible for interest free loans during the shutdown. Call 800-374-2758 for assistance.
- The Congressional Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest Furlough Relief loans of up to $10,000 during the shutdown. You do not have to be a Congressional employee to join this credit union. Federal workers can become a member of this credit union by joining the “Friends of the National Arboretum”. Call 800-491-2328 for assistance.
- The Commerce Department Credit Union is offering 30-day zero interest loans for federal workers during the shutdown for up to $10,000. You do not have to be a Commerce Department employee to become a member. Anyone who joins the American Consumer Council can join this credit union. Call 888-626-9845 for assistance.
- The Navy Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest loans of up to $6,000 to its members and other federal government employees during the shutdown. Call 888-842-6328 for assistance.
- Army Emergency Relief provides interest-free loans equal to the amount of one paycheck, up to a maximum amount of $6,000, for soldiers and families who experience financial hardship due to a lack of pay. Call 866-878-63788 for assistance.
- The U.S. Employees Credit Union is offering interest-free shutdown loans to eligible members. Call 312-922-5310 for assistance.
- USAA’s Government Shutdown Program is offering no-interest loans and other payment relief options from $500 to $6,000. Call 210-531-8722 for assistance.
- PenFed is offering zero-interest loans equal to the amount of missed paychecks for furloughed federal workers who are existing members and have their pay directly deposited to their PenFed account. Call 1-800-247-5626for assistance.
- For a list of additional credit union programs click here.
- For a list of assistance programs from banks click here.
Unemployment Insurance
Depending on the length of the shutdown, your furlough status, and state of residence, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance payments. For more information click here.
Federal workers in Vermont can visit the Vermont Department of Labor’s website here for more information. Note that you only have two weeks from the start of a shutdown to open an unemployment claim with the Vermont Department of Labor.
Federal Employee Education and Assistance (FEEA) Fund
FEEA provides select information on national, regional, and state by state resources for federal employees during government shutdowns. Click here to see their shutdown resource page.
If you’re ready to take action to put an end to this authoritarian regime, we invite you to join us in our efforts. Sign up for our email updates for opportunities!