United Way Launches Relief Effort for Workers Impacted By Federal Shutdown  

United Way of the Greater Capital Region has launched a Government Shutdown Relief fund to support essential federal employees who are impacted by the ongoing government shutdown as of October 2025.

The organization is committing $10,000 and additional community resources to provide direct aid to workers and their families.

In direct response to the federal government shutdown and rising demand for basic needs, coupled with growing funding gaps across the nonprofit sector, United Way of the Greater Capital Region is committing $10,000 and additional community resources for federal employees in our region whose paychecks are affected by the shutdown. 

Help Your Neighbors Affected by the Shutdown. Your donation provides emergency cash assistance, food, and essential support to local families facing financial hardship. Give today and help United Way keep the Capital Region strong.

An estimated 5,223 federal employees in the Albany–Troy–Schenectady metropolitan area have been furloughed.

Another 20% of federal employees, including 180 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, 46 air traffic controllers, and 10 U.S. Customs agents at Albany International Airport, continue to work without full pay. If the shutdown persists, many will receive no pay on October 27. 

Federal employees impacted by the shutdown can call or text 2-1-1 to be connected with available support and community resources.

Once the shutdown ends, United Way will maintain the fund to help local nonprofits manage increased demand and sustain vital community programs.

A Century of Community Response

For 100 years, United Way of the Greater Capital Region has been a trusted partner in meeting moments of crisis. This relief fund ensures rapid response to emerging needs, provides immediate resources to community-based organizations, and helps residents across the Capital Region weather times of uncertainty.