Resources Available for Route 1 Workers Affected by the Shutdown

It’s been nearly a month since the federal government shutdown.

With more than 70,000 federal workers and contractors in Prince George’s County, the Route 1 corridor has been among the hardest hit areas in the country.

Here are some local resources available for affected workers:

• USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, PenFed Credit Union and First Command all have short-term loan programs for affected workers.

• Under Maryland law, electric and gas companies cannot shut off service to affected federal workers. They can also ask for a pause on any eviction or foreclosure proceedings.

• Pepco, Washington Gas and WSSC Water also have repayment plans.

• Maryland’s state Department of Labor is offering a $700 zero-interest loan that musth be repaid within 45 days of the shutdown’s end. They can also apply for unemployment benefits.

• Employ Prince George’s is offering free job training, reemployment assistance, and career counseling for laid-off federal workers, who will also get priority hiring consideration for county jobs.

• The Federal Worker Solidarity Fund is offering one-time $500 grants for affected workers.

• The Capital Area Food Bank is offering food assistance from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays at 7721 Barlowe Rd. in the Landover area.

• Kathleen Hellington at Bananas Hair Design in College Park is offering 50% off haircuts for furloughed workers.

• Yoga Space in Hyattsville is offering free yoga and Pilates classes by Douglas Thompson to furloughed workers except the 11 a.m. Sunday class.

• Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier is offering free stress reduction classes from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

• 2Fifty Texas BBQ is working with World Central Kitchen to feed federal workers.

• Moby Dick, which has a location in College Park, is offering free sandwiches between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. if you show a federal ID to the cashier.

• You can also dial 2-1-1 in Maryland for help finding food pantries, utilities assistance and other resources.

If you know of any other resources, please post them in the comments or send us a tip through this online form and we’ll add to this piece.

Support the Wire and Community Journalism
Make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter here.