Federal employees in Washington, D.C., are facing increasing hardship as they lined up outside the Capital Area Food Bank on Friday after missing the first full paycheck due to the ongoing 24-day government shutdown. The food bank, established specifically for those impacted by the shutdown, provided essential items including boxed meals, household goods, and personal hygiene products to over 250 federal workers that day. Local pastor Wil Stroman is among those organizing weekly food distributions to assist federal employees until the shutdown concludes.
Furloughed worker Anthony Speight, now experiencing his first furlough in 17 years, expressed his disbelief at having to seek assistance for the first time after years of helping others. Speight emphasized the pressing need for Congress to consider withholding their pay until federal employees receive theirs. He articulated the daily struggles many face, saying, “Bills continue to pile up. I have car notes, I have children to feed, I have a family to take care of, I have a mortgage to pay, so it’s a lot of uncertainty.”
While some lawmakers have proposed that their paychecks should be withheld during the shutdown, most members of Congress continue to receive their salaries. Furloughed worker Pamela Lewis criticized the situation, highlighting the frustrating reality that those who have contributed to the system are now finding it all but impossible to receive assistance in their time of need.
“There are a lot of people who don’t have any resources. They’re living from paycheck to paycheck, trying to figure out how to feed themselves,” Lewis noted. Many furloughed workers are taking on side jobs with services like Uber and DoorDash to help make ends meet; however, those deemed “excepted,” who must work during the shutdown, are still unable to find additional employment.
Stroman reiterated the importance of community support during these challenging times, stating his commitment to organizing the food banks until the government is fully operational again. “We’re letting them know that we’re here to help, and there’s still hope,” he expressed.
Despite the Senate’s repeated failure to advance a government funding bill, which has been stymied for the 12th time without any change in the vote count, federal employees are urged to remain resilient. Lewis encouraged her fellow workers to persevere, saying, “As they say, push until something happens. You got to stay strong. You can’t let it depress you.”
As the shutdown continues without resolution, the enduring spirit of those affected is evident, as they seek to support one another in this time of uncertainty.