To our local Federal Employees and any affected by the Government Shutdown –
United Way NWFL, United Way Partner Agencies, Municipal & Business Partners know that our federal excepted employees and community members continue to struggle in the current Government Shutdown. In an effort to combat those struggles, we continue to collaborate to best provide assistance to any who may have unmet needs. As always, emotional support and community resources are available 24/7 by calling 211. We’re here to support you — check back for new resources and assistance.
Here because you want to help?
Financial support to assist currently uncompensated federal employees can be donated HERE.
Resources and information for common questions:
- Furloughed workers can review guidance about unemployment benefits here.
- SNAP, WIC, Free and Reduced Price Lunch and other food security benefits are impacted, check USDA for updated information.
- Public housing (Section 8) More information is available here and through local agency.
- Medicaid, CHIP, Disability, and Social Security Benefits are not affected by the shutdown.
Additional Resources:
- 211 NWFL (covering UWNWFL footprint of Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Washington Co's) can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 or their website HERE.
- 211.org has a food assistance resource search function.
- Life Management Center offers sliding scale and free mental health resources to assist during difficult times. Information and appointments can be made on their website HERE.
- Feeding The Gulf Coast has a "Find Help" feature on their website HERE and/or affected families can call (888) 704-FOOD(3663).
- Panama City Rescue Mission provides meals for any who are food insecure from 2pm-4pm Tuesday thru Friday and 6pm on Mondays.
- The Salvation Army provides a hot meal in the United Way of NWFL parking lot on Tuesdays roughly between 11:30am-1pm.
- Childcare - Many childcare/aftercare organizations are working with excepted employees to defer payment.
- Emergency/Short Term Loans - Many Banks and Credit Unions offer emergency/short term loans and may be working with excepted employees. Reach out to local banks/credit unions to see if you qualify.
- Utilities - Many of our local cities are working with excepted employees to prevent loss of utilities. Check with your local utility department to see if they can work with you.
- Panama City - (850) 872-3166
- Panama City Beach - (850) 233-5100
- Lynn Haven - (850) 265-0087
- Callaway - (850) 871-6000
- Parker - (850) 871-4949
- Blountstown - (850) 674-5488
- Bonifay - (850) 547-4238
- Chipley - (850) 638-6350
- Marianna - (850) 482-4353
- Port St. Joe - (850) 229-8261
For Military Members:
- Air Force Aid Society: Air Force Aid Guard and Reserve Air Force and Space Force members (regardless of duty status) and their eligible family members. Click here for more information about grants and Falcon Loans.
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EANGUS: We Care for America Foundation is a National Guard Relief Foundation that offers grants and loans for Service members (enlisted and officer). Click here for more information.
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Navy Marine Corps Relief Society: NMCRS stands ready to help meet the immediate needs of active-duty Sailors, Marines and their families impacted by the impending government shutdown. Click here for more information.
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VFW Unmet Needs Program. This program is available to help America’s active-duty service members (to include activated Guard/Reserve members) and their families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties because of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial assistance up to $2,500 to assist daily necessities in the form of a grant – not a loan – so no repayment is required. To further ease the burden, we pay the creditor(s) directly. Click here for more information.