For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 24, 2019
From the Office of Councilmember Jawando
Rockville, Md., Jan. 24, 2019—As the government shutdown enters its fifth week, Councilmember Will Jawando has convened a resource fair this Saturday, Jan. 26 to address the rising needs of the thousands of Montgomery County residents impacted by the federal government shutdown. The event will be hosted by Reid Temple AME Church, and co-sponsored by Councilmember Jawando’s office and Our Voices Matter.
Furloughed federal workers, contractors, small business owners and others are encouraged to attend to receive information about assistance available in our community. Local organizations will be on hand to provide support to those affected by the shutdown, which currently ranks as the longest U.S. government shutdown in history. With more than one million residents, Montgomery County makes up more than eighteen percent of the regional federal workforce. Many residents are being forced to make painful choices about how to get by without pay. The financial shock is about to get much worse as federal workers will miss their second paycheck this week. Councilmember Jawando says the fair is designed to provide resources for those who attend and to give people hope.
“County government, our nonprofit providers, utility providers and local businesses have stepped up to help residents affected by the government shutdown obtain the vital services they need,” said Councilmember Jawando. “Leadership in Washington has become disconnected from the people. I pledge to do all that I can to help support county residents and service providers as they endure this extended period of unprecedented stress. I implore our federal leaders to put an end to this federal government shutdown now.”
The resource fair will feature representatives from the following agencies and organizations:
EveryMind - - Formerly Mental Health Partnership
A Wider Circle
Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
Manna Food Center
Nourish Now
Capital Area Food Bank
SHARE
Montgomery County Department of Recreation
Montgomery County Public Libraries
Montgomery College
Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Montgomery County Food Coalition
Washington Gas
Industrial Bank
PEPCO
Montgomery County Parks
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
Interfaith Works
Councilmember Jawando and the rest of his Council colleagues stand with those residents whose wallets have been hit hard by the furlough. For a complete list of resources available to furloughed workers visit the Montgomery County website and follow the links through the shutdown assistance web portal.
The Reid Temple AME Church is located at 12101 Tech Road in Silver Spring and the fair will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Release ID: 19-028