After weeks of a government shutdown, about 800,000 federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay. This includes the Coast Guard who didn’t get paid because of the ongoing shutdown. Millions of Americans are feeling the effects of this government shutdown and one third of the federal workforce are veterans.

IAVA is leading the charge to stop this madness. Our Coast Guard and veterans must get paid. This week in Washington, we led the bi-partisan calls to #EndTheShutdown. IAVA has also stepped up to help those impacted by the shutdown with our Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP). We’re providing financial resources, the latest info, mental health support and much more.

RRRP continues to receive requests from veterans and family members impacted by the shutdown and many are struggling to pay rent and mortgage payments, put gas in their cars to get to critical mental health appointments, keep food on the table for their families, and ensure basic needs are being met. We even had a veteran reach out who is waiting for their SSDI to come through and was told that because of the shutdown instead of waiting weeks, it may take months. In the meantime, the veteran is concerned about paying rent and buying food.

If you are being impacted by this shutdown, reach out to RRRP today. Our Veteran Transition Managers (VTMs) are savvy in ensuring that client needs are effectively met — whether that is to provide connections to partner financial assistance resources, navigate benefits, ensure food and shelter for the entire family, or access quality mental health support, RRRP is here for service members, veterans and family members impacted by this government shutdown. Reach out to us today.