This story is ongoing – if you know other D.C.-area companies helping federal employees through the government shutdown, email kmcquilkin@americaninno.com.
As the government shutdown rages on, the toll on D.C.'s workforce grows.
The number of federal employees who filed for unemployment more than doubled in the second week of January — from 10,500 to 25,000. Fewer than 1,700 federal workers filed for unemployment during the same period last year. As of Friday, the longest shutdown in history has cost 800,000 federal employees two paychecks.
Additionally, more than 41,000 U.S. small businesses with contracts for the nine still-shuttered federal government agencies are at risk of losing $2.3 billion worth of work thanks to the partial shutdown, according to a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Arlington-based Professional Services Council. Tech companies share in that uncertainty, especially given the D.C. metro's mature cybersecurity, IT and tech consulting industries, which are heavily reliant on federal contracts.
The shutdown has a disproportionate effect on the D.C. community, not only geographically, with hundreds of thousands of federal employees in the area, but also due to its largely service-based economy centered around government contracts.
More than 4,500 small businesses in D.C. have $404 million worth of work at risk, according to the U.S. Chamber. In Virginia, 4,200 small businesses have $430 million at risk, and more than 3,200 small businesses in Maryland may be out $286 million.
As of Jan. 23, 8,000 federal workers and an estimated 1,930 contractors have filed for unemployment benefits in D.C., according to city officials.
To help local residents weather the storm, we've gathered together resources available in the D.C. area for federal employees and their families, offering support during the government shutdown.
D.C. real estate tech startup Homesnap launched a relief program to pay the rent or mortgage of 10 government workers or contractors in February who are not being paid during the federal government shutdown. Those in the D.C. area who have been impacted can complete an online form through Jan. 31 for consideration.
American University’s School of Professional and Extended Studies is offering free workshops and networking opportunities to furloughed employees and contractors affected by the shutdown. Check here for an updated list of events for Jan. 22-25. While the website advertises that these classes are for alumni, any furloughed employee or government contractor is welcome to attend.
To aid women in tech affected by the government shutdown, the Women in Tech Summit is offering scholarships to attend its Mid Atlantic conference March 28-29 in D.C. WITS co-founder Gloria Bell told Technical.ly that scholarship winners will be chosen randomly and be notified on Monday, Jan. 28. The summit is giving out five scholarships, but some women members are purchasing tickets to gift to women who have applied for scholarships. For applicants not awarded a scholarship, WITS is giving them 50 percent off a ticket.
The Audubon Naturalist Society is offering free membership to all furloughed federal employees and contractors, and several free programs and classes. The Audubon has two nature sanctuaries that are free and open to the public, as well.
Metro plans to allow federal workers to ride free starting Monday, Chairman Jack Evans said. A formal vote is scheduled during a meeting Friday afternoon. Federal employees working without pay would show ID cards at disability access gates, and the free rides would last as long as the shutdown does.
On Saturday and Sunday from 6-8 p.m., Sweetgreen will offer a free signature bowl to federal employees, with federal government ID, at all locations around the country. In addition, The Tavern, the Sweetgreen brand's first market, will offer free soup for federal workers (while supplies last) until the government reopens.
Milk Bar is offering a complimentary coffee beverage or soft serve to anyone with a valid federal government ID in all stores in support of furloughed federal workers.
#ChefsForFeds organizes food trucks, chefs, nonprofits and businesses to provide meals for those impacted by the shutdown. You can donate money, time or other resources to their cause. #ChefsForFeds is run by World Central Kitchen, a national nonprofit organization that strives to eliminate hunger and poverty.
The National Conference Center in Leesburg is feeding furloughed feds and their families for free. It's offering one meal a day to D.C.-area federal employees affected by the partial government shutdown. As of Thursday, 550 employees and their family members had taken advantage.
José Andrés’s DC-area restaurants — Jaleo, Oyamel, China Chilcano and America Eats Tavern — will offer free sandwiches from 2 to 5 p.m. at the bar. Get a complimentary Beefsteak burger at Andrés’s fast-casual spot during the same hours.
&pizza is partnering with José Andrés’ emergency kitchen for federal workers, which opened in mid-January, serving hot meals every day from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. The pizza chain also opened a second #ChefsForFeds kitchen at its Broccoli Bar outpost in Shaw, where the company is giving out free pizza to furloughed feds from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Online grocer Thrive Market will donate a $50 grocery credit to any government employee who emails mission@thrivemarket.com with a photo of their government ID.
DC Diaper Bank will be at World Central Kitchen’s Federal Resource Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 23, 24, and 25. They will be giving away diapers to furloughed employees, as well as tampons, pads, incontinence products, and a limited amount of formula.
Medical marijuana dispensary Metropolitan Wellness Center is selling all weed products except flowers at 20 percent off during the shutdown. The dispensary announced the discount applies to any government employee who shows ID.
Balance Gym is offering free workouts from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to those with a valid federal employee ID. It has locations in Glover Park, Foggy Bottom, Capitol Hill and Thomas Circle.
The Bar Method DC-Bethesda-North Potomac is offering two weeks of unlimited classes for new and lapsed clients for $39 with code shutdown, redeemable at any of their three D.C.-area studios. They'll be running this special as long as the shutdown is on.
202strong, a strength and circuit training gym in D.C. and Maryland, is offering first classes for free and up to five classes for $5 for clients with a government ID.
