County steps in to help local federal workers affected by shutdown

Imperial County officials said hundreds of local people might be hurting because of the government shutdown and they want to help.

The government partial shutdown is affecting not just federal workers – it’s hitting local businesses, as well.

Katie de Luna, CEO Brawley Chamber of Commerce, said, “We have a large population of folks that work in government, whether it’s Homeland Security, B.L.M., Border Patrol. And so, when those folks can’t go to work that means that they’re not going to get paid.”

When people have no money, sales go down.

“Their insurance won’t get paid. Their mortgages won’t get paid. Their cars won’t get paid. And that affects our local business,” de Luna said.

The situation is affecting activities that usually draw thousands to the area bringing economic growth.

Charla Teeters-Stewart, I.C. Film Commission, said, “Our Desert Day, our Star Wars Day, at the Buttercup Ranger Station. And we’ve had to cancel that event for the second time for a government shutdown.”

I.C. Supervisor District 4, Ryan Kelley, said that local county agencies and credit unions are partnering to let federal workers know social service benefits and other resources are available thru this crisis.

“Anybody that finds themselves in those stressful situations and we have the ability to help them, we should,” Kelley said.

These benefits could include food assistance, unemployment benefits, emergency loans, and help with mortgage payments.

“Whenever there’s somebody in need, you should reach the hand out as a friend and be able to do something,” Kelley explained.

He said some people might feel uncomfortable asking for help even during these unusual times.

“It’s good to be self-reliant, but when it comes to your children and to your family, you have to take care of them,” Kelley said.

The workshop is on Monday, January 14 th , at the Department of Social Services, 2895 South 4 th , in El Centro from 6-8 p.m.