Local agencies to provide assistance to federal workers

With no end in sight for the government shutdown, federal workers in the Imperial Valley are feeling the effect financially.

Local agencies will be offering their assistance to federal workers impacted by the government shutdown Monday night at the offices of the Imperial County Department of Social Services.

Officials from the department are being proactive to give federal workers the help they need.

Javier Duran, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services, said, “These people are our relatives. They’re our friends. They’re our neighbors. So something like this kind of fits with our mission. Our department in the sense of reaching out to our community in the time of need. ”

Close to 10 local agencies will be offering their resources that will include help with food stamps, utilities, and loans.

Teresa Valenzuela, of the Sun Community Federal Credit Union, said, “Last Friday, they didn’t get paid. So they’re already hurting. So in case, this doesn’t come to an end quickly. We can also offer them another paycheck. Another advance on their paycheck.”

According to the Department of Social Services, some workers might be hesitant.

“This is something that they’re not used to. They’re employed people and coming into some type of event where they’re asking for some help. That’s something that we’re trying to get over and teach them that this is something is for you. We have made special hours and making special provisions,” Duran Said.

The deputy direct said that if tonight’s event is a success, they plan to have another for those who weren’t able to attend.