United Way of the Greater Capital Region Launching Emergency Response Fund to Support Those Impacted by #SHUTDOWN

UWGCR & Price Chopper Commit $10,000 Each to Support Federal Government Employees 

ALBANY, NY (January 25, 2019) – United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) is partnering with Golub Corporation/Price Chopper/Market 32, other regional businesses and community-based organizations to support regional residents impacted by the federal shutdown.

“The lingering government shutdown has reached dining room tables across the Capital Region as federal employees, including 200 here at Albany International Airport, have gone weeks without a paycheck,” said UWGCR President and CEO Peter Gannon.  “Today we are launching an emergency response fund with $10,000 plus additional funds from our partners at Golub Corporation to help these workers who are struggling during this crisis.” 

United Way is collecting donations at www.unitedwaygcr.org/shutdown or individuals can text Shutdown to 313131.  United Way will utilize funds raised to assist federal employees as needs arise; 100% will go to regional residents.    

“We share concern for the more than 43,000 federal employees across our 6-state footprint who depend on federal benefits and paychecks to provide for their families and appreciate the opportunity to support our community,” said Mona Golub, Vice President of Public Relations and Consumer Services.  “As a longstanding partner of United Way, we have confidence in their ability to collect and redistribute donations like ours to assist those in need.”  

“We are grateful to the generous support that corporations, individuals and organizations have provided to the TSA employees and Air Traffic Controllers at Albany International Airport.  However, it is now essential that the community comes together and provides all impacted federal employees in the region with support and assistance, and United Way is leading the way.” said Rev. Kenneth Doyle, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority.

United Way is also supporting federal employees through their Call 2-1-1 hotline.  

  • Call 2-1-1 is committed to helping communities impacted by the federal government shutdown. Furloughed federal employees and government contractors in need of social services and individuals with questions about availability of public benefits can call 2-1-1 to get help.

  • Call 2-1-1 specialists can help those in need connect to food pantries, health care services and utility and eviction prevention assistance. Callers also can receive information on mental health counseling, transportation, job training, substance use recovery services, child care and volunteer opportunities.

  • Additional information about unemployment benefits for furloughed employees is available from OPM. Click here for details.

Call 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can serve callers in nearly 200 languages.  Call specialists are trained to provide services in a confidential and compassionate manner.  

“United Way will continue to work with federal employers to assist their employees,” Gannon continued.  “We ask that individuals do not reach out to us directly for financial assistance but rather contact their employer about this program. And of course, Call 2-1-1 is available for other specific needs like counseling on issues like food, housing, child care, etc”

Local federal agency directors can connect to the United Way of the Greater Capital Region at shutdown@unitedwaygcr.org.