Resources available for workers affected by the shutdown
As the federal government shutdown drags on, Northern Virginia leaders are letting workers struggling financially know there are resources that can help.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments recently unveiled TalentCapital.ai, a powerful tool designed to help workers navigate career changes, reskill, and connect with training, coaching, employers, and jobs that reflect the future of work.
According to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, there are more than 48,000 open jobs offered by 17,000 employers in Northern Virginia.
Fairfax County offers the following guidance to people affected by the government shutdown:
Nonprofit database – For those needing assistance, the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services’ Human Services Resources Guide offers a searchable database of agencies and nonprofits that provide an array of services.
Jobs – Visit the Virginia Career Works job board for a list of employment opportunities.
Food – Families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits any time during the school year. If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses.
Contact the Fairfax County Department of Family Services at 703324-7500 for information about eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Health – FCPS offers free, virtual mental health counseling for high school students through a partnership with Hazel Health.
Transportation – Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides a 50 percent discount on fares for low-income residents ages 18-65.
Childcare – Families enrolled in the School Age Child Care program and the Beyond the Bell pilot unable to make payments should contact the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services to discuss options. Call 703-449-8989 or email [email protected].
Families enrolled in the Child Care Assistance Referral program should contact 703-449-8484 or email [email protected].
Taxes – Any taxpayers unable to pay their county taxes due to the shutdown will be handled on a case-by-case basis and offered a payment plan, so their accounts won’t be sent to collection. Call 703-222-8234 weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.