In the face of another government shutdown, we’ve collected links to and summaries of resources available to federal employees who are furloughed and general guidance for DC residents. From free food to financial assistance, many groups are working to support those affected by the shutdown. We will continue to update this list as additional resources become available.

Thankfully, this is not an exhaustive list. If you know of any additional resources, please email us at info@wclawyers.org.

General Assistance:

Partnership for Public Service, FedSupport (October 1, 2025)

NARFE, Shutdown Resources (October 1, 2025) (Resources for active federal employees)

Congressman Jamie Raskin, Navigating A Government Shutdown: One-Stop Resource Page (October 1, 2025)

OPM, Furlough Guidance (updated September 2025)

ABC News, The U.S. Government has shut down. Here’s what to know. (October 1, 2025)

Northern Virginia Regional Commission, Federal Government Shutdown Resources (October 1, 2025) (Assistance for Northern Virginia counties)

Prince George’s County, MD Government, Federal Government Shutdown Resources (September 30, 2025) (Resources in Prince George’s County.)

WTOP,  Help and Assistance Programs for Furloughed Federal Workers in the DC Region (October 17, 2025)

Know Your Rights/Legal Need Assistance:

Rise Up, Federal Workers Legal Defense Network (April 2025) (Legal assistance for federal workers who have been wrongfully terminated or have questions about employment rights.)

ACLU, Protestor Rights (updated September 3, 2025) (Your rights if you protest the shutdown and protections from workplace retaliation.)

D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Advice & Referral Clinic (The Advice & Referral Clinic operates on the second Saturday of each month and provides individuals who do not have their own lawyer an opportunity to discuss with volunteer attorneys civil legal problems governed by D.C. law and federal matters heard in the District.)

D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Landlord & Tenant Resource Center (The Landlord Tenant Resource Center provides free legal information to both unrepresented landlords and tenants who have residential housing disputes in the District of Columbia.)

D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Consumer Law Resource Center (The Consumer Law Resource Center offers free legal assistance and referral to individuals on matters such as utility disputes, security deposit refunds, debt collection, contractor disputes, and other small claims cases.)

Online legal information and resources: www.lawhelp.org/DC

Financial:

Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund, Government Shutdown: Resources for Federal Civilian Employees (September 26, 2025) (grants, loans, and other financial assistance)

BeneFeds, Managing Benefits – Transition From Federal Service (provides information for employees leaving the federal workforce.)

America’s Credit Unions, Government Shutdown Assistance (October 1, 2025)

WSSC Water will temporarily suspend water service turnoffs and waive late fees for federal employees impacted by government shutdown.

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) provides expanded bill payment assistance options for federal workers affected by the shutdown to help manage energy bills and prevent service interruptions.

Pepco provides expanded customer support measures amid shutdown to help with bills and maintain service continuity.

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is offering extended payment arrangements, waiving otherwise applicable late payment fees and suspending disconnections for residential members who may be experiencing hardship due to the shutdown.

Maryland government has implemented housing protections for involuntarily furloughed federal government employees at risk of eviction.

The Maryland Crisis Assistance Program, Housing Stabilization Assistance (help for residents to avoid evictions, foreclosures, and housing-related crises.)

Virginia, Eviction/Foreclosure Law (federal employees and contractors can’t be evicted or foreclosed on during a federal government shutdown.)

Food:

Feeding America, Responding to the Shutdown (September 30, 2025) (Resources, including how to find your local food bank.)

Capital Area Food Bank,  Food Assistance (October 15, 2025)

St. Stephen Baptist Church, MD, Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m (weekly food distribution)

Mental Health and Wellness:

wellfed (October 15, 2025) (offers three recurring weekly virtual programs designed to provide structure, support and momentum for professionals navigating career transitions.)

Technologists for the Public Good and Empower Work free, confidential counseling. (October 2, 2025)

Justice Connection list of mental health support resources for DOJ employees  (October 2 2025)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services resource for people seeking mental health and substance use treatment. (October 5, 2025)

Social and Professional Activities:

Washington Council of Lawyers, Free Events, including DC Pro Bono Week events, networking events, volunteer opportunities, and our archive of programs and resources.