Government Shutdown Food Resources   Government Shutdown Information
Government Shutdown Donation Information
 
Following the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, many individuals and families are facing uncertainty in our community. Whether you’re navigating changes in food benefits, housing support, or childcare, we’re here to help connect you with the resources you need during this uncertain time.  
If you or your family are experiencing any challenges related to the government shutdown, here are some available resources and FAQ’s.

 

Resources

  • Affected Federal Workers: California federal workers that were laid off or affected by a government shutdown may apply for benefits here.
  • Questions/Concerns: Your local congressional representative’s office remains open. You may contact them to ask questions or share your concerns. To find your local representative, click here.
  • Find a U.S Embassy or Consulate: If you are abroad and need to contact a U.S. Embassy or Consulate with questions or a request for help, you may search for your local embassy by clicking here.

 

Nutrition Services

A full list of available food resources can be found by clicking the button below:

Government Shutdown Food Resources

 

Animal Services 
  • What: Free dog and cat food and supplies.  
  • For who: Anyone who visits a pantry location in-person during the hours of operation. 
  • When: 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Tuesday-Sunday 

 

Childcare 
  • Provides: Child care, family support programs, and community-based services designed to reduce strain on households affected by missed paychecks. 
  • For who: Military Families with children 
  • When: Assistance available throughout the shutdown with ongoing support 
  • Where:  Armed Services YMCA San Diego branches and community centers. 

 

Loans/Financial Assistance 
  • What: An enrollment/screening form for Zero8Hundred’s programs, which support transitioning service members and their families in San Diego County. 
  • For who: Service members and families who currently reside in or are relocating to San Diego County (outside California, direct services may not be provided). 
  • When: Active now people can complete the form to be screened for eligibility for their services.  

 

  • What: The C.A.R.E. (Cabrillo Advanced Relief Effort) Program provides a personal line of credit as emergency financial support members can access funds before income is disrupted. First 60 days of any advance are interest-free; after that, a fixed prime rate applies.  
  • For who: Cabrillo Credit Union members (including federal employees, contractors, or others impacted by the shutdown) who meet credit-eligibility and hardship criteria.  
  • When: Activated upon a government shutdown. Funds become available on the morning your usual payday, even if your paycheck is delayed.  
  • Where: Through Cabrillo Credit Union (via existing membership account; funds are available through digital banking or at branches) 

 

  • What: USAA offers financial assistance that includes a no-interest loan and other payment relief options (for banking, insurance, etc.).  
  • For who: USAA members employed by a federal agency affected by the shutdown, who have received a qualifying direct deposit into a USAA checking or savings account within 30 days prior to the shutdown.  
  • When: The program is activated when a government shutdown occurs.  

 

  • What: 0% APR “paycheck assistance” loans for eligible members to cover disrupted pay due to a shutdown.  
  • For who: Military servicemembers, federal employees, and government contractors who are paid directly by the federal government and have paychecks deposited through Navy Federal.  
  • When: Members can register starting Friday, September 26 (ahead of a shutdown) via Navy Federal’s app or website to ensure coverage for the first impacted pay period.  

 

  • Provides: Emergency financial assistance, counseling, and social worker support to help families cover bills and avoid eviction during the shutdown. 
  • For who: Military families  
  • When: Assistance available throughout the shutdown with ongoing support 
  • Where: Directly through STEP’s intake process (online or by phone) for financial and case management support. 

 

Military Family Supports
  • What: provides a curated Shutdown Resources Hub with guidance and connections for military and veteran families during a government shutdown. Resources include: Financial and career services, Food and childcare information, Service branch–specific shutdown resources, Mental health and well-being support 
  • For who: Military families, veteran families, and others in the military community affected by the shutdown. 
  • When: Available throughout the shutdown period. 

 

  • What: An interactive “Shutdown Assistance Map” that helps furloughed federal employees find local offers of relief (food, financial help, services) near them.  
  • For who: Federal employees (and contractors) impacted by the government shutdown who are seeking local assistance.  
  • When: Active during the shutdown, with community organizations and businesses encouraged to post offers of support as soon as possible.  
  • Where: Online at the MyFEDBenefits website (using the map by state or city) — resources specific to your area will appear on the map.  

 

Utility 

SDGE does not have bill assistance specifically for the Government Shutdown however, if someone is unable to pay for any reason they can contact customer support to create a payment arrangement.