The well-being of our students and families is a top priority for KIPP DC. With the government shutdown continuing, we recognize the hardship and uncertainty many of our families are facing right now.
We wanted to offer support to families impacted and identify resources readily available until there is a resolution. We will continue to proactively monitor and share resources to support our families during the shutdown, and encourage you to reach out to the mental health practitioner at your child’s school if you have questions about the information listed.
Medical Assistance
Same Day Urgent Care
You can walk into a clinic located at 35 K Street N and be seen the same day without an appointment from 8:30 am to 3 pm. Services include assessment, counseling, psychiatric evaluation and medication management. You may be referred to a community provider for ongoing care. If you have questions, please call (202) 442-4202.
Financial Assistance
Unemployment Benefits
If you’re a federal employee or contractor currently furloughed, you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits from DC government. Here’s an FAQ with links on how to apply. If you do end up receiving back-pay once the shutdown ends, you’ll need to repay the unemployment funds back. But if you’re worried about making ends meet, this is a good resource for DC residents until the shutdown ends.
Help Paying Your Gas Bill
Washington Gas is offering flexible payment plans to government employees affected by the shutdown. One plan lets customers spread winter heating bills across the entire year. Payment deferments are possible, as well as access to the Washington Area Fuel Fund for low-income customers. Call 1-844-WASHGAS to discuss your individual situation.
Help Paying Your Water Bill
DC Water announced on Jan. 9 that they will “begin working with any federal worker who may need additional flexibility in paying their bill because of the government shutdown.” Extended payment plans are available, as well as a program that helps customers keep water and sewer service on despite financial emergencies. Go to DC Water’s website for more information.
Navy Federal Loan | Government Shutdown Assistance
Navy Federal Credit Union is offering 0% APR loans during the government shutdown. To take advantage you must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union and a Federal government employee. Go to Navy Federal’s website for more information.
FedChoice Federal Credit Union Loan | Furlough Center
You can become a member of FedChoice Federal Credit Union and take advantage of their 2.5% APR loans. Loans include a 60-day delay before you start repayment and repayment programs of 6, 12, 24, or 36 months. Go to FedChoice’s website for more information.
Pet Pantry
The Humane Rescue Alliance has a Pet Pantry that federal workers who live in D.C. can use to help feed their animals. Go to the HRA website for info.
Groceries & Restaurants Offering Assistance
Five Day Supply of Groceries Offered by the Nonprofit Bread for the City
Beginning Monday, January 14, if you are a District of Columbia resident and are a furloughed federal worker or federal contractor currently out of work because of the furlough, you can visit Bread for the City’s NW or SE Centers for a five-day supply of groceries.
Free Food Safety Certified Lunches at Recreation Centers
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) will offer free lunch to kids 18 years old or younger at every recreation center that is equipped and staffed appropriately for providing free Food Safety Certified lunches. Eight recreation centers total across five wards will offer free lunch every Saturday during the shutdown from 12 pm – 1 pm.
Joe Cole – Ward 5
Harry Thomas – Ward 5
King Greenleaf – Ward 6
Rita Bright – Ward 1
Hillcrest – Ward 7
Benning Park – Ward 7
Benning Stoddert – Ward 7
Emery – Ward 4
School Meals
Families who may be impacted by the government shutdown may apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals. More info.
USDA announced that funding to support Child Nutrition Programs will be available into March, should the shutdown of the federal government continue. This means that claims for reimbursement for the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program are guaranteed to be paid into March. Local Education Agencies are encouraged to reach out to families who may be impacted by the government shutdown to offer them a Free and Reduced Price Meal application.
&pizza
Various Locations
The chain will offer free pies to government workers from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day of the shutdown. The deal was moved from lunchtime after the first week of the shutdown.
