With the longest running partial government shutdown in history now in day 28, the city is announcing aid available to local federal workers.
Through the city’s Social Services Division, Jacksonville is making available more than $500,000 through small grants to Duval residents who can document their furlough or pay stoppage from the federal government.
They also will need to demonstrate need based on either exhausted or insufficient resources, according to Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry’s office.
“Since Washington can’t come together in a sensible way, then we will,” said Curry in an email to WJCT News announcing the program.
Related: Local Coast Guard Families Miss Paychecks As Shutdown Continues
The grant funds are available to help with rent and mortgage, utilities and food (Recipients cannot already receive food stamps). Since the start of the shutdown, four Duval families have already received assistance through this program, according to Curry’s office.
Federal workers interested in applying can call the COJ Social Services Division at 904-630-0545.
“These families deserve whatever we can do to help. Many in the private and nonprofit sector are already helping; Mayor Curry and I want to make sure the City is doing its part,” said City Council President Aaron Bowman in the same email.
City-owned utility JEA is also offering help to qualifying customers with a payment plan that allows extra time to pay utility bills. The number for JEA customers to call is 904-665-6000.
The city’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department along with the Jacksonville Veterans Resource and Reintegration Center are also offering one-time, interest-free loans of up to $500 for active duty Coast Guard personnel affected by the shutdown.
Repayment for the loans will be over a six-month period once normal pay has resumed. USCG service members assigned to a base in Duval County or who reside in Duval County will have to present a military ID Card to qualify.
Additional information on services for service members, veterans and their families are available at 904-630-3680 or by visiting the USO office.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
