Because the U.S. Congress has not passed a federal budget yet for the year, many federal agencies are shut down, federal employees’ paychecks are delayed, and some benefits are paused and could be delayed for the month of November even if the government reopens. Perhaps most directly impactful for many families is the delay of CalFresh food benefits.
It’s hard enough to get by in California without this kind of disruption. A missed paycheck or delayed benefits can quickly lead to hard times when the cupboards might already have been empty at the end of the month.
From small church food closets to well-organized meal programs, there are resources available to prevent people from going hungry in lean times – though it’s a painful fact that many will be stretched thin if this shutdown persists.
There are too many programs across the 14 counties of the 1st Senate District to list in one email, but I’m writing to share some key central resources that serve as local hubs.
First of all, from almost anywhere in California you can call 211 and be connected to live help to navigate service needs.
While the number works anywhere, 211 systems are managed locally, and each provider maintains a website with resources in each county. Here are the different sites around the North State.
- Butte and Glenn Counties: helpcentral.org
- Nevada and Placer Counties: 211connectingpoint.org
- Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties: 211norcal.org
In addition, Partnership HealthPlan of California has provided resources for the counties listed above and others not fully covered by 211 services. Click here and then follow the link for your county for a comprehensive list of local resources.
I hope this political standoff in Washington can be resolved promptly, but in the meantime I hope we can continue to care for one another and that no child has to go to bed hungry.
