We continue to keep each other in prayer as we navigate through this challenging season. We understand that many of those in our community may be experiencing the effects of the current federal government shutdown. Word For Life Church Ministries is dedicated to ensuring that our community stays informed about valuable resources and information. To assist those impacted by the government shutdown, we are providing the following information from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. (DMV)
Washington DC - Mayor Muriel Bowser
During a government shutdown, the District of Columbia government, including its services and facilities, remains open and fully operational because it is separately funded
. Federal government offices and attractions, however, are impacted, and many close or reduce services.
City services and assistance
Essential services: The D.C. government continues its operations, which means schools, sanitation, police, and fire services are not affected by a federal shutdown.
Unemployment benefits: Furloughed federal employees in D.C. can file for unemployment insurance benefits through the Department of Employment Services (DOES) at dcnetworks.org.
SNAP and TANF benefits: Recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits will continue to receive them for October. If the shutdown lasts longer, the District will provide updates.
Utility bill assistance: Companies like Pepco offer expanded support to furloughed federal workers, including extended payment arrangements.
Legal aid: The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center offers free legal services for civil issues, including landlord-tenant disputes and consumer law.
Food assistance: The Capital Area Food Bank helps residents find food banks and other community food resources by visiting their website or calling the Hunger Lifeline.
General support: The District government website, fedsupport.dc.gov, provides resources for federal workers affected by the shutdown.
Federal services and resources
Veterans benefits: VA medical facilities remain open, and benefits like compensation, pension, and education will continue to be processed. The Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) is also available 24/7.
Social Security: Checks will continue to be sent, and SSA field offices will remain open for applications and card services, though longer wait times are expected.
Emergency aid: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to respond to severe disasters, though long-term projects may be delayed.
Representative offices: You can contact your congressional representative's office for assistance with federal agency issues, as their offices often remain open during a shutdown.
Attractions and transportation
Public transit: Metrobus and Metrorail services are not affected and will run as usual.
Museums and monuments:
Smithsonian museums and National Zoo: Closed as of October 11, 2025, due to the extended shutdown.
National Mall and open-air memorials: Open-air parks and monuments, such as the Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials, remain accessible, but services like restrooms may be closed.
Private museums: Attractions like the International Spy Museum are privately funded and remain open.
Federal building tours: Tours of the U.S. Capitol, White House, and FBI Building are canceled.
Note: Resources and closures are subject to change as the shutdown progresses. It is best to check the websites of specific agencies and attractions for the most current information.
State of Maryland - Governor Wes Moore During a government shutdown, Maryland residents can access state-funded programs and local nonprofits for financial, food, housing, and utility assistance. Essential federal employees can apply for a state-sponsored, no-interest loan program.
Financial assistance
Federal Shutdown Loan Programs: These state-administered, zero-interest loans are available for Maryland resident federal employees affected by a shutdown.
Essential ("excepted") employees working without pay can apply for a one-time $700 loan, which must be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends.
Furloughed employees facing financial hardship may also be eligible for a zero-interest loan.
Unemployment benefits: Furloughed federal employees can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). Federal contractors may be eligible for regular state unemployment insurance.
Bank and credit union assistance: Many local financial institutions offer emergency low-interest loans, payment deferrals, or increased credit limits for those affected.
Food and nutrition
Food banks and pantries: Nonprofits like the Maryland Food Bank and Capital Area Food Bank provide no-cost food for impacted federal employees, contractors, and their families. You can find local pantries through their websites or by calling 211.
Food benefit programs: State-administered benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), WIC, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), are expected to continue temporarily. However, a prolonged shutdown could affect future benefits.
Apply for benefits: You can check eligibility and apply for SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and other programs at the Maryland Department of Human Services website, MarylandBenefits.gov.
Housing and utilities
Eviction and foreclosure protections: State law provides temporary protection from eviction or foreclosure for involuntarily furloughed federal employees. You must contact your local court to request a pause in proceedings.
Utility assistance: Major providers like BGE and Pepco offer expanded support to affected customers, including flexible payment plans, late fee waivers, and bill relief. Contact your provider to learn more.
Emergency housing assistance: Dial 211 to connect with local resources for emergency housing, shelters, and other housing-related crises.
Health and mental health
Mental health support:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Offers 24/7 confidential support via call, text, or chat.
Maryland Crisis Hotline: Dial 988 for crisis assistance.
211 Maryland: Connects you with local behavioral health services.
Health insurance: The Maryland Health Connection is the state's health insurance marketplace. If you lose your job-based coverage, you have 60 days to enroll in a new plan. Medicaid and the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) are available year-round for eligible residents.
Where to find more help
211 Maryland: This helpline is available 24/7 to connect you with local resources for food, housing, utilities, and more. You can dial 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211md.org.
Online portals: Many Maryland counties, such as Prince George's and Montgomery, have dedicated web pages with consolidated resources for residents impacted by a federal shutdown.
Local officials: Contact your local representatives for information on the latest programs and services in your area.
State of Virginia - Governor Glenn Youngkin
Here are resources available for Virginia residents during the federal government shutdown, focusing on assistance for food, finances, and housing.
General assistance and referrals
211 Virginia: Call 2-1-1, text "Connect" to 247211, or visit 211virginia.org to connect with local resources for food, housing, utility assistance, and other support services.
Food assistance
Local food banks: Area food banks, including the Capital Area Food Bank and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, are prepared to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by the shutdown.
Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center: Holds food distributions on the first and third Friday of the month, with other distribution events scheduled throughout the month.
Thrive Peninsula (Newport News): This nonprofit is expanding services to offer walk-in hours and financial aid specifically for furloughed federal workers.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):
October SNAP benefits were distributed as scheduled, as funding was obligated in September.
A prolonged shutdown could disrupt future payments. For information on applying, visit the Virginia CommonHelp website or call 855-635-4370.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): The Virginia Department of Health has stated that its WIC program has enough funding to maintain normal operations for the near future, but a lengthy shutdown could cause issues.
Financial assistance
Unemployment benefits: Furloughed federal employees can file for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission. Any benefits received must be repaid after the federal government issues back pay. Essential personnel working without pay are not eligible for UI.
Credit unions: Many credit unions are offering special relief programs, including low-interest or interest-free loans for federal workers.
United States Senate Federal Credit Union: Offers a $5,000 relief loan with 0% interest for 90 days.
Justice Federal Credit Union: Provides low-interest loans and deferred payments for eligible members.
Navy Federal Credit Union: Offers loans of up to $6,000 for eligible members affected by paycheck disruptions.
PenFed Credit Union: Provides paycheck protection loans and payment skips.
Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA): While its Emergency Hardship Loan program does not cover pay loss during a shutdown, it does provide assistance for other qualifying hardships.
Housing protection
Protection against eviction and foreclosure: Under a Virginia law, furloughed federal employees and contractors are protected from eviction and foreclosure during a government shutdown.
Local government aid: Local departments of human services may be able to provide housing assistance.
Arlington County: Provides emergency financial and housing assistance to eligible residents.
Fairfax County: The Coordinated Services Planning hotline can help residents connect to community-based resources.
Regional and local support (Northern Virginia)
Fairfax County: Has a Federal Workforce Resource Hub with information on employment, financial aid, and mental health services.
City of Alexandria: Offers resources for federal workers, including housing, business support, and links to information from the Virginia Employment Commission.
Arlington County: Provides emergency financial, housing, and food assistance through its Department of Human Services.
Small business support
Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA's loan approval process will likely be delayed during the shutdown. Small business owners can monitor the SBA website for updates.
Virginia Minority Chambers: Provides support and links to resources for minority-owned businesses.
Let us continue to support one another!
God bless,
Pastor Larrin Robertson
Reverend Larrin Robertson, Pastor | Email:admin@wordforlifechurch.org | Church phone:(301) 292-2066 Mailing Address: 11519 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744-5814
