Community resiliency through the government shutdown
The Federal Government has been opened, at least until February 15th. After 35 days, federal employees will receive their two paychecks, and until the 15th budget negotiations will continue. Despite the reopening, uncertainty remains for 800,000+ workers.
This week, nuggets of gold would pop up on my feed, from the Idaho Humane Society offering pet food for families, St. Vincent de Paul offering relief on rent, food, utilities, and local restaurants offering discounts, Entertainment Center’s providing family passes, Credit Unions providing no interest on loans, and the Idaho Housing and Finance Association choosing not to report families unable to pay their mortgage to the credit bureau. Writing these down, digging deep into what Boise is doing to help our neighbors, I find myself simultaneously angry for the families that have to live in uncertainty, stress, fear, but also warmth in my heart over the overwhelming response Boise organizations have had to help one another.
While the government is open, let’s take this temporary moment of relief to recognize the actions taken to step up where our community needed relief. I want to recognize our neighbors for putting people over profits, our neighbors who see that helping our community, if profit for everyone. Join me in celebrating our dedicated community!
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Boys and Girls Club of Ada County: Offering fee waivers for services where available
FamilyWize and United Way: Partnered to provide prescription discounts for affected community members
Idaho Humane Society: Offering 1 month of free pet food for government employees
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and Kim Walen Farms: Ran a free Meat and Potato drive on January 28th for affected families and families in need.
Treasure Valley Family YMCA: Providing income-based financial assistance to access YMCA services
West Valley Medical Center: Provided free breakfast, lunch and dinner for government employees
Women’s & Children’s Alliance: Providing 25% for any federal employee
The STIL: Federal employees and their families receive a free scoop of ice cream!
The Local: Offering free lunches for families from 11:30-3, takeout preparation available for families with kids under 21.
Woodland Empire Ale Craft: Offering free beer to federal employees
Boise Acupuncture Cooperative: Free acupuncture for federal employees
Zen Riot Yoga: Five free classes to federal employees
Morrison Center: Free family four-pack tickets to “The Phantom Tollbooth”
City of Trees Real Estate: Free lunch for federal employees and their families on 1/29 from 11-2pm at Idaho Pizza Co. on Fairview
Find more organizations supporting federal employees through the links below!
-Nina