Help for furloughed federal workers in Prince William, Stafford

A group of business leaders and non-profit organizations will band together to help furloughed federal workers.

As the shutdown drags on, we have transitioned into a moral emergency. We are 28 days into the longest government shutdown in the history of our country. The impact expands beyond furloughed workers – it impacts contractors, restaurants, daycare providers etc.

Now, though no action on their part across the country, in our community and at our church are the thousands of people who lay awake at night wondering when and if it will end. These are working Americans.

Families who work hard, save and plan ahead now have to worry about how to pay their daily expenses like mortgage, rent, medical care etc., and no planning and preparation can prepare someone for 28 days without the certainty of a paycheck.

We are focusing on the five key areas:

• Financial
• Nutrition
• Quality of Life
• Health and Wellness (both mental and physical)
• School assistance (lunches, books, extracurricular activities)

But we cannot do it alone. We need businesses, organizations, grocery stores, restaurants, financial institutions, schools, individuals, etc., everyone is needed. I know that so many people I have spoken to have said “I really wish I could be helpful, but I don’t know how.” 

I am writing today to share what you can do.

First, if you are a family impacted by the government shutdown in Prince William or Stafford County, please call (571) 402-5905 or email us at [email protected]. 

Another way to engage is to download the app ForeverBLU in any app store to receive important updates and information that you will need to stay informed. To use the app, you will scan the above logo to unlock information.

We are offering physical resources and professionals to help you understand how to work with creditors. I have spoken to both the Virginia Governor’s office and Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax to ask them to reach out to lending institutions to encourage them to operate a program such as the one offered by Navy Federal, that is offering no credit check, no interest bank loans as an option of relief for federal workers.

Also, mark your calendars, for Wednesday, 30 January 2019, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. we are hosting a CALL to ACTION: Resources for Furloughed Workers event at Competitive Edge Athletic Performance Center in Woodbridge. 

The purpose of this event is to bring together resources for furloughed workers and their families who have been adversely impacted by this government shutdown who live in Prince William and Stafford County.