By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Two local non-profits are trying to help workers that have been affected by the federal shutdown.
First Call for Help reached out to workers this week on Facebook. Linda Mills, director, said the agency can assist with food, hygiene items and rent assistance if needed.
They can also refer workers to other resources in the community.
First Call had not received any requests for assistance as of Thursday afternoon, Mills said. She said she knew the USDA office in Hays has been shutdown with workers soon to return to work without pay. Social Security workers are on the job with pay as their budget is considered separately than the allocations that are in limbo during the shutdown.
United Way of Ellis County released information from United Way Worldwide Thursday afternoon on its efforts to both help workers an take donations on their behalf.
That release is as follows:
United Way Worldwide today announced it has established the United for U.S. Fund to benefit federal workers, contractors and others who may be impacted by the ongoing government shutdown.
The United for U.S. Fund is an expansion of the United for U.S. Coalition, which was launched recently to bring together corporate partners, organized labor, the United Way network and other nonprofits to assist furloughed federal workers and others who are struggling during the ongoing government shutdown.
Since the launch of the Coalition, United Way has received an increasing number of inquiries from members of the public, nonprofits and other companies, asking, “How can we help?”
The United for U.S. Fund will make it possible for those who want to help to support federal workers, contractors and others impacted by the government shutdown.
“We are proud to be able to ease the burden of all those struggling at this time and, in particular, to support federal workers and contractors in every community who have supported their neighbors through their work and their philanthropy over the years,” said Mary Sellers, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. ‘The United for U.S. Fund will enable individuals and others to give back to those who work to keep our country going.”
Throughout the shutdown, United Ways around the country have been providing a host of services to federal workers and others, including financial services and counseling, emergency assistance for food, rent and other immediate needs.
With a Network covering 94 percent of communities across the U.S., United Way is well-positioned to marshal and mobilize resources to get those who are in crisis due to the shutdown the help they need with basic needs and to make ends meet.
The United for U.S. Fund will distribute 100 percent of individual donations to local United Ways that serve communities with a large percentage of federal workers, contractors and others who may be impacted by the government shutdown to address vital needs, including food, rent and mortgage payments and other basic expenses.
Text SHUTDOWN to 40403 to donate or visit unitedway.org/unitedforusfund.
Sherry Dryden, director of United Way of Ellis County, said donors may also given through the local chapter, but they need to specify they wish their donation to assist furloughed federal workers. You can reach the local United Way office at 785-628-8281.
About 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals to resources and services in their local communities by phone, text and on the web. Individuals in need or who are looking for information for someone else can call 2-1-1 from a cell phone or landline. United Way supports and provides 2-1-1 services in most communities across the U.S. For more information about 2-1-1, visit 211.org.