- Nonprofits face financial strain as federal shutdown halts funding nationwide.
- Youth Futures, serving 120 teens, struggles without federal grants for operations.
- Experts warn of long-term effects; community urged to support and contact representatives.
OGDEN — As the federal government shutdown drags on, nonprofits across the country are feeling the strain, and at least one Utah organization said the impact could be devastating.
Youth Futures, which operates three shelters for homeless teens in Ogden and southern Utah, relies heavily on federal grants to keep its doors open. But with no one available to process those funds, the money has stopped flowing.
"We're providing not just a place to sleep, but meals, case management and helping them get back on their feet — reunified with family if that's possible," said Kristen Mitchell, founder and executive director of Youth Futures.
Mitchell adds that the nonprofit not only has two major grants that are still pending, but previously approved funds are frozen too.
"Everybody's gone," Mitchell said. "There's no one to talk to about it because everything's closed."
Without a major chunk of operating funds that come from federal grants, Mitchell said the organization is struggling to get by.
"These kids would be out on the street with no services if we weren't able to manage to get through this," she said. "We need the government to open back up."
Youth Futures currently serves about 120 teens, and the need for funding grows more urgent as the shutdown continues.
The problem isn't isolated. Sarah Saadian, vice president of policy and campaigns for the National Council of Nonprofits, said the situation is unprecedented and compounded by previous federal cuts.
"You can't just turn the light switch back on and reopen those organizations," Saadian said. "That infrastructure is lost. It means many Americans will no longer access the resources they were relying on."
With nonprofits taking out loans to stay afloat, Saadian warns the financial ripple effects will linger long after Congress restores funding.
For now, Youth Futures is asking for community support to bridge the gap. Saadian also urges people to contact their representatives about the organizations that matter most to them.
