United Way program helping local federal workers amid shutdown

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The federal government shutdown is leaving thousands of workers across the Capital Region without pay. United Way of the Greater Capital Region is stepping in to offer some relief.

United Way of the Greater Capital Region is partnering with the Regional Food Bank and other local groups to help federal employees feel a little less of the sting from the shutdown. They launched a new relief fund aimed at getting help directly into people’s hands.

United Way is putting $10,000 into a new relief fund to support federal workers who have been furloughed or are working without pay. More than 5,000 people across the Albany–Troy–Schenectady area are impacted — including TSA officers, air traffic controllers, and customs agents at Albany International Airport.

United Way will be distributing gift cards at Albany International Airport to those workers. The goal is to help cover essential expenses like groceries and gas — while partnering with the Regional Food Bank to provide fresh food packages for families in need. “The 27th will be the first time they go without a check in total. So, we are planning to potentially be onsite at the airport that day with our partners at the food bank to do a food distribution and a gift card distribution.” said Peter Gannon, President & CEO, United Way of the Greater Capital Region.

Leaders say the effort is about meeting workers where they are — and taking some pressure off those still showing up to their jobs without pay. “We’re going to make sure that the airport workers at least have a week’s worth of food. So it’s going to be a very robust, healthy package. And our goal and hope is really to even do more.” said Michael-Aaron Poindexter, Chief Programs Officer of the Regional Food Bank.

Poindexter went on to add, “They’re going to still show up to that airport every day. And the last thing we want to do is make them go to work every day and then leave the airport to stand on a pantry line. So, we’re bringing the food to them — one less stress as they try to navigate life during this uncertain time.”

United Way said that the giveaway is planned for October 27. They also stated that even after the shutdown ends, the fund will stay in place to help local nonprofits meet growing needs across the region. Federal workers can also call or text 211 to be connected with food support and other community resources. To learn more about the United Way’s Government Shutdown Relief fund, head to their website.