At this point, we are all pretty familiar with the most immediate consequences of the government shutdown–furloughed employees, long lines at airport security, national parks without any staff, food inspections not happening. But as the shutdown continues to drag on, the consequences for some of the most vulnerable people in our country are becoming visible.
An estimated 38 million people rely on SNAP benefits for their food and nutrition needs, including the majority of Springboard families. These families just received the final payment of SNAP benefits available until the government reopens. Additionally, other food assistance programs like free and reduced lunch programs in schools and federal programs that help supply food pantries and other food assistance programs are at risk of running out of funding if the shut down continues. There is also concern that come February, HUD funding that provides the additional rent subsidy for our residents will no longer be available due to lapsed contracts, threatening millions of families, and particularly elderly and disabled residents on a fixed income, with the possibility of eviction.
In short, families who are already living under the daily stress of just trying to make ends meet, now have to worry that even their most basic needs will no longer be met.
While it’s easy to say that families should be prepared for an emergency, it ignores the reality of living paycheck to paycheck for many low-wage workers and the fact that 63% of Americans, across all income brackets, do not have enough savings to cover even a $500 emergency. We have written here many times before that our punitive welfare system provides little to no breathing room for low-income Americans, making it nearly impossible for families to start build savings, let alone have enough put away for months without food and housing subsidies.
While the President continues to claim that this shutdown is about the safety of Americans, the reality is that the stability and well-being of millions of Americans is being compromised every day this shut down drags on. We are deeply disturbed by the inability of our leaders to see the importance of reopening our government for the sake of an ideological symbol. But until that happens, Springboard will continue to provide whatever assistance we can to both meet immediate needs and continue to propel residents toward their long-term success.
Thank you for your support and partnering with us on this journey.