Resources During a Government Shutdown
 
As we face a lapse in federal funding, commonly referred to as a government shutdown, CHSA has gathered a set of resources to help support our members. If you are aware of additional resources that may be useful, please share them with us so we can circulate them.
 
Please note that this guidance is meant to supplement, not replace, the instructions you receive from your employing office and supervisors. We strongly encourage you to first consult with your office for any questions or concerns. Fellows and interns sponsored by outside organizations may also want to connect with their sponsoring institutions for further direction. CHSA cannot guarantee the quality of the services listed below, and members should use their own discretion when accessing them.
 
For House Employees: Committee on House Administration December 2024 Guidance on Legislative Operations During a Lapse in Appropriations
 
For Senate Employees: Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Select Committee on Ethics, Secretary of the Senate, Senate Chief Counsel for Employment, and Senate Sergeant at Arms Unified Guidance on Expenses during a Lapse in Appropriations
 
Finances
 
Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) $5,000 Government Shutdown Relief Loan Program
SH-118 | 800-374-2758 | [email protected]
Note: must have an USSFCU account, and USSFCU membership is open to all Senate staff, fellows, and interns as well as AOC, GAO, US Capitol Police.
 
Congressional Federal Credit Union (CFCU) Furlough Relief Loans
Longworth House Office Building B-203 | 202-226-3100 | [email protected]
 
CFCU offers multiple options for members, including a Relief Line of Credit that has no interest for the first 60 days. CFCU also offers free Financial Coaching for members to create financial plans.
 
Note: must have a CFCU account. CFCU membership is open to all House employees, including fellows and interns. CFCU will remain open in a shutdown and accept new membership throughout the duration of a shutdown.
 
Student Loans
 
For more information related to the Senate student loan repayment programs, reach out to your office’s human resources official, and per your office guidance, SLP Administrators ([email protected]).

If you participate in the House Retention through Educational Advancement Program (REAP), payments will not be disbursed if the government is shut down. Participants will be responsible for making these payments during a shutdown in order to remain in good standing. It is essential that all borrowers remain “in good standing” on their loans, as that is a condition of participation in REAP. All REAP payments will be made once the shutdown ends.
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All borrowers are encouraged to check with their loan servicer to see what they need to do to remain in good standing. You may also consider reaching out to your loan servicer to carefully consider deferment and forbearance if needed.
 
Food Assistance & Social Services
 
CHSA’s “El Mercadito” Food Pantry
 
CHSA has created a small food pantry to help with those in need with food resources. We still have supplies that were collected during our food drive so please don’t hesitate to reach out via [email protected] if you would like for us to coordinate a drop off or meet up to receive food items.
 
Bread for the City - Food Pantry & 5-day grocery supply for furloughed federal workers
1525 7th St NW | 1700 Marion Berry Ave SE | Mon - Thurs 9am - 3pm & Farmers Market on alternating Fridays, check website for more details | ID needed
 
DC Office of the Tenant Advocate
Provides housing assistance advice, guidance on landlord disputes, and legal representation.
 
DC Gov LinkU Resource Hub
Find DC food, meals, housing, health, and more assistance by zip code.
 
Wellness Resources

Both Senate EAP and House OEA will remain open during the shutdown for counseling appointments. You can schedule an appointment by reaching out to: ​
Utilities & Household Support

● Pepco: Payment plans (up to 12 months), late fee waivers, and energy assistance tools are available. Learn more here or by calling 202-833-7500.
● Verizon: Payment deferrals available for federal and military employees. Call 1-800-VERIZON.
● AT&T: Federal employees can request a payment arrangement through att.com or the myAT&T app.
● T-Mobile: Customers can request a payment arrangement through their T-Mobile account or by calling 1-800-937-8997.
● Comcast (Xfinity): Payment arrangements available through the Xfinity Assistant on xfinity.com/support.

Discounts for Federal Employees

District Winery - Enjoy BOGO glasses of wine.
YUME Sushi - Receive 20% off.
KYOJIN Sushi - Receive 20% off.
RIMTANG - Receive 20% off.
Hard Rock Cafe - Enjoy all-day happy hour and $12 lunch deals.
Thompson Restaurants - Receive 20% off at all locations.
Jaleo - Get a free sandwich.
China Chilcano - Get a free donburi bowl.
Oyamel - Get a free torta.
Zaytinya - Get a free durum wrap or pita sandwich.
Washington Improv Theatre - Laugh it out with $5 tickets to Laugh Riot.
International Spy Museum - Get 50% off tickets.
The Phillips Collection - Experience America’s First Museum of Modern Art with $10 general admission and a 10% discount in the museum shop.
The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum - Free admission to the LGBTJews in the Federal City special exhibition.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens - Receive free admission.
Museum of the Bible - Get 50% off walk-up tickets.
National Museum of Women in the Arts - Receive free admission.
The Magic Duel - Get 30% off tickets.
Folger Theatre - Use code FEDERAL to get $20 tickets to Virtuosos of Violin and Verse (Nov. 7-8) and $10 tickets to Tomorrow’s Verses: The O.B. Hardison Reading (Oct. 21).
Alexandria, Virginia - Get a free Key to the City Attractions Pass.
 World Central Kitchen's Relief Team is providing meals to federal employees and their families at the following locations:
Additional Resources
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Shutdown Support Resources Community Sheet: Shutdown Support Resource List - Google Sheets

To support this effort, the United Way Worldwide has launched a new food assistance resource search tool (https://211.org/food) on www.211.org that allows community members, government and nonprofit partners, and the media to locate food-related resources by ZIP code—all in one trusted place.  This new tool will:
•            Expand awareness of available food resources nationwide, including food banks and pantries
•            Enable faster referrals through a single, easy-to-use search platform
•            Increase self-service options, helping reduce call burdens on local 211s while maintaining access for those who need live support



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