Denver Shutdown Assistance Free Resources For Federal Workers And Families

During government shutdowns, many families and federal workers face financial hardship as essential services and benefits are disrupted. In Denver, various organizations have stepped up to provide free resources and support to those affected. This article examines the free assistance programs, food resources, and special offers available to federal workers and families impacted by the government shutdown, based on verified information from local organizations and official sources.

Food Assistance Programs

Food insecurity becomes a significant concern during government shutdowns, particularly when programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are affected. Denver has responded with several initiatives to ensure residents have access to nutritious food.

Denver7 viewers have demonstrated remarkable generosity through the Denver7 Gives program, which has presented four nonprofits with $2,000 checks: SECOR Cares, Mountain Resource Center, The Action Center, and We Don't Waste. These donations help organizations purchase additional food to meet increased demand.

At SECOR Cares in Parker, the organization operates a free food market on Wednesdays and Thursdays, serving 56 ZIP codes without requiring income verification. "Oftentimes, when you find yourself in need, you have to prove that you need, and we take that away from them immediately to help restore their hope and dignity," explained Lisa Long, the nonprofit's director of development. The impact of the government shutdown is evident in the increased demand, with applications to the program growing by over 100% in October alone.

The Mountain Resource Center in Conifer has been serving western Jefferson County and eastern Park County since 1990 and has also received support to help meet the growing needs of residents affected by the shutdown.

The Denver Public Schools Foundation has restarted its Food Security Fund, originally established during the COVID-19 pandemic, to address food insecurity among students and their families. The fund is being used to purchase grocery gift cards for families affected by delays in SNAP payments and to help stock school food pantries, which have seen an increase in visitors.

"More than 600,000 Coloradans use SNAP benefits to buy food," according to reports, and the Department of Agriculture halted funding for the program on November 1 due to the government shutdown. Conflicting court rulings have meant that most SNAP recipients haven't received their full benefits this month.

While children continue to receive breakfast and lunch at school, families are struggling. "We are hearing from schools...that parents are just asking the front desk, 'What resources do you have?'" said Sara Hazel, president and CEO of the Denver Public Schools Foundation. The foundation noted that so many schools are requesting help that they cannot fully fund every request.

Support for Federal Workers

Federal employees furloughed or working without pay during the shutdown have received support from various Denver institutions.

Denver International Airport (DEN) has taken significant steps to support federal workers at the airport. The airport has formally requested permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use airport revenue to provide wage support for air traffic controllers. According to DEN, this request was made under the FAA's Policy and Procedures Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, which typically restricts airport revenue to specific operational purposes.

"Staffing issues are already being identified at a number of airports, impacting travel. As the shutdown drags on, air traffic controllers, in particular, are being stressed unnecessarily," said Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport. DEN hopes to cover controllers' wages during the shutdown, with reimbursement by the FAA later. The airport noted it would like to support all federal workers at DEN but is currently only able to assist air traffic controllers due to the large number of employees.

Beyond financial support, DEN has created a food and essentials pantry for employees from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), FAA, and other federal agencies who continue to work without pay.

Cultural institutions have also stepped up to support federal employees. The Denver Art Museum is offering free general admission to all furloughed federal government employees plus one guest through January. In Colorado Springs, the Aspen Art Museum is always free to all visitors.

Several other museums across the country have also extended similar offers, including: - The deYoung Museum and Legion of Honor Museum in California, offering free admission to federal employees plus one guest - The Phillips Collection in Washington D.C., offering free admission throughout the shutdown - The Bass in Florida, offering free admission to federal employees with government ID along with their families - NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, offering free admission for all furloughed federal employees and one guest - Pérez Art Museum Miami, offering free admission with valid federal employee ID and part-time employment opportunities - The Anchorage Museum, offering complimentary general admission to federal employees not receiving pay and their accompanying family members

How to Access Resources

For those in need of assistance during the government shutdown, several resources are available:

Food Resources: - Colorado 2-1-1: Residents can dial 2-1-1 or visit 211Colorado.org for information about food assistance and other services. - Feeding Colorado: Visit FeedingColorado.org/find-food or email [email protected] to locate food resources. - Colorado PEAK: Visit co.gov/PEAK for benefit information and updates.

School Meal Programs: - Every Colorado student continues to receive free breakfast and lunch at school, regardless of family circumstances during the shutdown.

Federal Worker Support: - Air traffic controllers at Denver International Airport may receive wage support pending FAA approval. - A food and essentials pantry is available for TSA, CBP, FAA, and other federal agency workers at DEN. - Federal employees can access free museum admission with proper identification.

How to Help

For those who wish to support community members affected by the government shutdown, several options are available:

• Financial donations to food banks are particularly valuable, as "every dollar helps food banks purchase and distribute more meals statewide."
• Donations can be made at FeedingColorado.org/donate.
• While canned goods are welcome, financial donations have a greater impact due to bulk purchasing power.

The Polis-Primavera Administration has emphasized the importance of supporting families during the federal shutdown. During a recent visit to Arapahoe Ridge Elementary School, Lt. Gov. Primavera highlighted the continued availability of free school meals for children, noting that Adams County serves one of the highest concentrations of SNAP clients in the Denver-metro area.

Conclusion

During government shutdowns, the Denver community has demonstrated remarkable resilience and generosity. Through a combination of nonprofit initiatives, government programs, and cultural institution support, resources are available to assist both federal workers and families affected by benefit delays. Food assistance programs, free museum admissions, wage support initiatives, and school meal programs collectively form a safety net for those impacted by the shutdown.

For individuals seeking assistance, multiple resources are available through food banks, school districts, and community organizations. For those who wish to help, financial donations to food banks provide the most effective means of supporting community members in need. As the shutdown continues, these programs will play a crucial role in ensuring basic needs are met for Denver's most vulnerable residents.

Sources

1. Denver7 Reports on Food Insecurity During Shutdown
2. Museums Support Federal Employees During Shutdown
3. Denver International Airport Supports Federal Workers
4. Denver Food Security Fund
5. Colorado Administration Support During Shutdown