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CivicCLP: Government Shutdown

This guide provides resources to learn more about civic and community engagement through the Library's programs, services and materials. CivicCLP's objective is to connect the community with resources and information that can lead to actionable steps.

Government Shutdown Explained

 

What does it mean if the government shuts down?

A government shutdown happens when Congress doesn’t pass legislation either temporarily or more permanently funding the government, and such a measure isn’t signed by the president.
 

When would a government shutdown start?

If Congress doesn’t approve a continuing resolution or more permanent spending measure by Friday, December 20, the federal government will shut down. 
 

How often does a government shutdown happen?

There have been four shutdowns where operations were affected for more than one business day. In 1995-1996, President Clinton and the Republican Congress were unable to agree on spending levels; the government shut down twice, for a total of 26 days. In 2013, a standoff over funding for the Affordable Care Act resulted in a 16-day shutdown. And in December 2018 and January 2019, a dispute over border wall funding led to a shutdown that lasted 35 days; it was a partial shutdown because Congress had previously passed five of the 12 appropriation bills. (Source: Brookings.edu)

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh realizes that many of our neighbors are already experiencing higher than normal need. Our library staff have compiled a list of resources below for furloughed and unpaid workers, as well as our customers who rely on government benefits.

Food Assistance Resources

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Call the Department of Human Services Helpline, toll-free, at 1-800-692-7462 
(1-800-451-5886 for individuals with hearing impairments) or your county assistance office.

  • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card to make food purchases. Experiencing a food emergency and need food right away? Help is available.

East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) - 6140 Station St. | Pittsburgh, PA 15206 | (412) 345-7141 | eecm@eecm.org

  • The Food Pantry is a program for those in immediate need of food. In addition to providing emergency groceries and supplies, we also offer information on assistance programs, and access to social service agencies and other appropriate programs. The Food Pantry is located at Community House and clients can enter through the single-door marked Food Pantry, Entrance C on Harvard Street. Monday through Friday, 8:30am -10:30am & 11:30am – 1:30pm. Closed weekends and holidays.
  • The Community Kitchen serves hot lunches every Monday through Friday, from 12:00pm to 12:45pm. This community meal is provided free of charge to all who are in need, although donations are welcomed. The Community Kitchen is located at Community House and diners can enter through the double-doors marked Community Connections, Entrance G next to the parking lot.

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank - 1 North Linden St. | Duquesne, PA 15110 | Emergency Food Support Line: (412) 460-3663 x655

Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) Squirrel Hill Food Pantry - (412) 421-2708

  • JFCS offers nutritious, fresh food on a scheduled basis for those who meet income requirements in the 15217 zip code, as well as providing kosher food for those who keep kosher homes outside of 15217.

Just Harvest - 317 East Carson St, Suite 153 | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | (412) 431-8960 Ext. 602

Pennsylvania WIC (Women, Infants, Children) - (412) 350-5801

  • WIC provides free nutrition information, healthy foods, breastfeeding support and referrals to eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children under age 5.
  • Who Qualifies:
    • Pregnant women
    • Breastfeeding women or bottle-feeding women who recently had a baby
    • Infants up to 1 year of age
    • Children up to 5 years of age

Peters Township Food Panty - Peace Lutheran Church | 107 Carol Drive | Canonsburg, PA 15317

  • Affected families are encouraged to contact the food bank coordinator to set up a time for a confidential food pickup and should bring federal identification.

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania - Dial 211

  • Information on food pantries, healthcare services, utility and eviction prevention assistance and more.

USDA Hunger Hotline - en Español (877) 8-HAMBRE

Resources for Furloughed Workers

Banks and Credit Cards

  • Bank of America (844) 219-0690 - Hardship programs. 
  • Better Mortgage (412) 523-8837 - Shutdown relief emergency refinancing.
  • Chase (888) 356-0023 - Hardship programs.
  • Discover (800) 347-2683 - Skip payments, no interest or late fees.
  • Hebrew Free Loan Association - 4307 Murray Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15217 | (412) 422-8868
  • M&T Bank (800) 724-2440 - Defer payments or loans, will suppress communication so as not to adversely affect credit scores.
  • PNC Bank (888) PNC-BANK - Waive monthly service fees
  • Wells Fargo - No late fees on loans or overdrafts.

Utility Assistance

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