This video is no longer available.
As the government shutdown enters its second week, D.C. nonprofit is preparing for a spike in demand for food, diapers and clothing, especially from furloughed federal workers and contractors.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e not sure if they鈥檙e going to get their (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits or Social Security benefits,鈥� Food and Clothing Director Trazy Collins said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been a place that鈥檚 letting folks know 鈥� we鈥檙e still here.鈥�
This week marks the first missed paycheck for many federal employees, and Collins said that鈥檚 expected to bring a wave of new clients seeking help.
Standing beside a stack of beans, part of the nonprofit鈥檚 emergency inventory in Northwest D.C., Collins said Bread for the City is preparing to serve 1,000 more families this month alone.
Contractors, she said, are especially vulnerable.
鈥淭here鈥檚 no guarantee they鈥檙e going to receive back pay. 鈥� There鈥檚 not even a guarantee they鈥檒l have a job at the end of this,鈥� she said.
While SNAP benefits are expected to continue through November, Collins said the state of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, remains uncertain, adding to the anxiety among families with young children.
鈥淧eople who have never expected to go to a food pantry, who have never expected to seek out diaper assistance. 鈥� We’re making sure folks know where to go, making sure folks are accessing those resources,鈥� Collins said.
Collins said her message to anyone struggling is that Bread for the City will be there to help.
鈥淚f they are wanting to get out and be in community, we’re here. We welcome them to come volunteer with us or take part in some of our social service events,鈥� she said.
Client services at both of BFTC’s centers in Northwest and Southeast D.C. will close at noon on Wednesday.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
漏 2025 海角精品黑料. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
