Resources for federal workers affected by government shutdown

St Vincent De Paul Southwest Idaho has a helpline that has several resources available to government workers affected by the shutdown.

They provide assistance with utilities, rent, household goods, transportation, and clothing.

The executive director says since the shutdown they have received calls from federal employees affected for help with rent, transportation and visits to the food bank, but they expect to hear from more.

"One of the challenges is of course that is that people are reluctant to help and that's just how people are. But in all of this, it's just a wonderful thing as a community when one part of our community is hurting. We really want to be able to reach out and help them," said Ralph May.

To get more information on the helpline, head to https://www.svdpid.org/help-line/

Recently, a Treasure Valley hospital has also stepped up to help. West Valley Medical Center is offering free meals to all federal workers who are affected by the shutdown. The center is opening up breakfast,lunch, and dinner to federal employees and their family who live with them.

All folks have to do is show their ID. The program will be offered as long the shutdown goes on.

"We're always looking for something to help the community, not only in Caldwell, but in Canyon County and Treasure Valley for that matter. There's people who are out of work who were rather be working, some of them, maybe many of them aren't getting paid so we figured this would be a little way that we could help them through that time until they are able to go back to work by offering some free hot meals for them," said Roger Winslow, West Valley Medical Center.

The meal includes a hot meal and a fountain drink or coffee.