Spotsylvania Courthouse VA
10-17-2025 5:26pm

RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY DURING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

During the federal government shutdown, residents of Spotsylvania County can access resources through state, county, and non-profit organizations. The Spotsylvania County Department of Social Services and the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank are actively connecting residents with assistance programs for food, financial needs, and housing. As of mid-October 2025, federal agencies have been shut down for over two weeks, impacting federal employees and certain federal programs in Virginia. Some federally funded programs may see disruptions, but state and local services are working to fill the gaps. Assistance for furloughed federal employees and familiesSeveral organizations and programs are providing aid to federal employees working without pay or on furlough.

  • Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA): Full-time federal employees with a salary below $60,000 (or $75,000 for NARFE members) can apply for a $150 shutdown grant.
  • Credit Unions: Several credit unions, including Congressional Federal Credit Union, FedChoice, Navy Federal Credit Union, and USAA, offer interest-free loans to federal employees impacted by the shutdown.
  • Virginia Employment Commission (VEC):Furloughed federal employees can apply for unemployment benefits through the VEC's website or at local Workforce Centers.
  • Virginia congressional delegation: Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner are backing a bill to prevent foreclosures, evictions, and other negative financial consequences for federal employees during the shutdown.

Food assistanceI

If you are experiencing food insecurity due to the shutdown, these local resources can help.

  • Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank: The food bank operates a mobile pantry and provides a map of local pantries on its website.
  • Spotsylvania Department of Social Services: The department is coordinating with local food banks to assist residents. It also advises SNAP recipients to conserve their benefits and contact the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank or dial 2-1-1 for emergency food resources.
  • The Table at St. George's: This is a market-style food pantry open on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. in Market Square.
  • Hub of Hope: This organization offers prepared food for 2–3 days.

Financial and utility assistance

  • Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB): The RACSB provides resources and tips for handling financial hardship caused by the shutdown.
  • 2-1-1 Virginia: This 24/7 service provides free and confidential information and referrals for food, utility payment assistance, housing, healthcare, and other services. You can call 2-1-1, text "CONNECT" to 247211, or visit the website.
  • Virginia Works: This program offers a range of state relief programs, including Energy Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Child Care Subsidy Program.

Healthcare and veterans' services

  • Veterans Affairs (VA): Critical VA services, including health care and benefits processing, will continue. However, some non-critical services and hotlines may be suspended. The Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) remains operational.
  • Community Health Centers: In Virginia, federally funded community health centers may face disruption, which could particularly impact rural areas. Check with your local center for the latest status.
  • Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB): The RACSB provides mental health resources, including emergency services therapists available 24/7 at 540-373-6876.

How to get help

  • Dial 2-1-1: For a wide range of services, including food, housing, and utility assistance, dial 2-1-1 or text "CONNECT" to 247211.
  • Spotsylvania County Social Services:Contact the county's Department of Social Services for information on SNAP, TANF, and other local programs.
  • Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07):The Congressman's office offers an online guide to shutdown resources for constituents in Virginia's Seventh District.
  • Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank: For food assistance, visit the food bank's website for mobile pantry schedules and locations of local food pantries.
More News from Spotsylvania Courthouse
I'm interested
I disagree with this
This is unverified
Spam
Offensive