Local companies helping Utahns during longest government shutdown in history

Local companies helping Utahns during longest government shutdown in history

(KSL TV, File)


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SALT LAKE CITY — As we enter the 26th day of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, many Utahns are really feeling the impact of the missed paychecks.

The Washington Post reported that Ogden is expected to lose a weekly sales tax revenue of $314,000 due to the shutdown.

This is a huge problem, especially considering that nearly 80 percent of Americans reported living paycheck to paycheck in 2017. Many local companies know this and are stepping up to lend a hand to struggling federal workers and their families.

Here are six Utah businesses offering to assist in different ways:

Utah Food Bank

The Utah Food Bank has opened their doors to all Utahns at each of their locations throughout the state. They tweeted Friday their statewide network of 150 partner agencies are fully stocked and anyone affected by the shutdown can come in to get food.

#foodbank_tweet

All you need is some proof of your federal employment like a badge or even your $0 pay stub if you have it.

They also tweeted about the children who are affected by this shutdown, stating that they "work hard to ensure there is something in their cabinets."

Catholic Community Services of Utah

Catholic Community Services of Utah tweeted that they will be offering food twice a month to federal workers affected by the shutdown. Due to an uptick in people showing up for assistance, they also now need more help than usual.

In a Jan. 8 tweet, CCS stated that they are "honored to help federal workers without pay at this time, and YOUR donations make all this possible!"

#CCS_tweet

If you would like to make a donation or are in need of assistance with food, you can go to the Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank located at 2504 F Ave. in Ogden.

America First Credit Union

This Utah credit union is offering help in the form of a Furlough Assistance Loan for up to $4,000. Any federal employee who has been furloughed due to the government shutdown can qualify for the loan.

The loan is meant to ease the financial burden on families and provide some money for bills and groceries during the shutdown. It will have a 0 percent interest rate for the first 30 days, followed by a 4.99 percent interest rate starting on the 31st day.

“The recent government shutdown has started a domino effect throughout our communities, and we are thankful to be in a position to provide financial assistance and guidance to our members,” John B. Lund, president and CEO of America First Credit Union, said in an emailed statement.

They are also providing loan extensions and free financial counseling services to members. You can find all of the branch locations here.

May Moes

This southern Cajun-style eatery in Logan is offering free breakfast every Saturday for furloughed federal workers throughout the shutdown.

Owner Jason Davis posted a Facebook video on Jan. 11 letting everyone know that May Moes is here to help. In the video, he explains that a man recently stopped him as he was heading out the door to go to a hardware store, handed him $10 and told him to use it to help someone eat.

Almost tearing up, Davis said, "I've said for years, many hands make light work." The restaurant will be serving breakfast every Saturday during the shutdown from 8-10 a.m. He also said to "pass it on to anyone else who hasn't gotten a check in the last few weeks."

#fb_vid

The restaurant is located at 981 S. Main St. in Logan.

The Bickering Sisters

This Ogden restaurant is also offering assistance to those affected by the shutdown. They too have felt the negative impacts of federal workers missing pay and are doing what they can to help out.

They will be offering hot cups of Hoover stew for just .$25 during the shutdown. Hoover stew is a recipe that was eaten by many during the Great Depression due to its affordability and simplicity. This may not be the Great Depression, but it's a time of uncertainty for many.

You can visit The Bickering Sisters at 2487 Grant Ave. in Ogden.

Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo announced Wednesday that they will be offering free entry to the zoo for any federal employees who haven't received a paycheck during the shutdown. Federal employees just need to provide their federal ID at guest services and can enter with their families free of charge.

"We are hoping it helps alleviate some worry and provides a positive distraction during a difficult time," Steve Burns, zoo president and CEO, said in an emailed statement. "Hang in there!"

The free admission will continue for the duration of the shutdown, Hogle Zoo officials said.

National companies

Many national banks and phone companies are also providing assistance to federal workers in the form of payment extensions and waived late fees. USA Today compiled a list of well-known national companies offering help that you can view here.


Nakisha Rigley is currently a junior at Weber State University majoring in public relations and interning as a news writer with KSL.com.

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