Government Shutdown Resources
Introduction
The links and information below were gathered through United Way of the Coastal Empire’s team and community partners to help connect individuals and families with available support during the government shutdown. While this list includes many helpful resources, it is not comprehensive and will be updated regularly throughout the disruption. Please check back often for the most current information.
For a broader list of community resources, visit uwce.org/211, email 211@uwce.org, or dial 211 to connect with our Information & Referral Specialists.
If you would like to provide financial support to those impacted by the government shutdown, please donate directly through our website: https://give.uwce.org/p/emergency-support-fund.
If you have edits, additions, or updates to share, please email Cheri Dean at cdean@uwce.org
Federal Shutdown Resources
Automotive
Hyundai Motor Finance
If you have been impacted by the recent Government Shutdown, call Hyundai Motor Finance at 800-523-4030.
Kia Motors Finance
If you have been impacted by the recent Government Shutdown, call Kia Finance at 866-3315632. Employment
Georgia Department of Labor
• Furloughed workers may be eligible for unemployment insurance. If back pay is received after the shutdown, benefits paid during the shutdown may have to be repaid. Click here
to apply.
• Training and job support are available through Georgia Career Centers, the Technical College System of Georgia, and WorkSource Georgia
Financial Bank of America
Assistance to customers impacted by a government shutdown by providing fee waivers, payment deferrals, and loan modifications, similar to how they respond to other crises like natural disasters. Federal employees should contact the bank directly to discuss options.
Chase Bank
Assistance for their customers who are U.S. government employees affected by the U.S. government shutdown. Here’s the special line they set up 1-888-356-0023.
Congressional Federal Credit Union
For more information on our Relief Line of Credit or other assistance programs, contact Member Service Representatives at 800-491-2328.
Fed Choice
Offering a Furlough Loan equivalent of one month's net pay as the maximum loan amount plus 60 days until first payment with flexible repayment terms. Also offering No Fee Skip-A-Pay options
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA).
Micro-grants of $150 to support federal employees impacted by the shutdown, covering essentials like groceries, gas, diapers, and other basic necessities. Eligibility is based on salary and employment status.
Interior Federal Credit Union
They’re offering a special loan for both member and non-member furloughed Federal workers. Net paycheck up to $15,000, interest free up to 30 days. Members may apply for a limit up to the equivalent of 2 net paychecks. More offers are available on the site or call 800-914-8619
The National Rental Home Council (NRHC)
Rent deferment options to furloughed renters and the organization is also offering guidance to its members regarding the 2025 government shutdown.
Navy Federal Credit Union Government shutdown assistance program. Call 1-888-842-6328
Synchrony Bank
They handle store cards for Amazon, Lowes, Walmart, JCPenney, Chevron/Texaco, and many other large nationwide companies. Affected customers can defer payments until after the shutdown. Contact them for more information.
The Federal Credit Union
Financial assistance options are available for those affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
Union Plus
Union members may call 800-472-2005 to ask about these offers: $300 Furlough Grant for eligible Union Plus credit card holders, Mortgage Assistance Loan, and $300 Grant. There is a payment grace period for your Union Plus Life & Accident Insurance and Auto Insurance.
USAA
Government shutdown no-interest loans for eligible members.
U.S. Bank
Flexible lending solutions for those impacted by the government shutdown.
U.S. Employees Credit Union
0% interest loans to almost all members who have direct deposit of their government pay with USECU. Call (312) 922.5310 to get help.
VyStar
90-day interest-free loans with deferred payments. This initiative is designed to provide immediate relief and flexibility while pay is temporarily disrupted. Here are some of the specifics for this offer which can be found on our website.
• Loan amounts are calculated based on two times your monthly salary
• Maximum loan amount is $15,000
• Max term is 24 months
• No payments or interest for 90 days. Interest begins to accrue on the 91st day after the date of loan disbursement
• Loans will be available and disbursed only if the government fails to pay eligible members in connection with the government shutdown
VyStar will continue to assess additional ways to support our military community and ensure they have access to the resources and guidance needed. Please let me know if you would like more information.
Food - Restaurant
All Things Chocolate & More
Pay what you can menu. Visit them on social media to learn more.
Origin Coffee Bar
Free meals for SNAP recipients until benefits are restored – while funds last. 356 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401. 912-349-5122.
Food Pantries (No ID or Income Requirement)
Armor of God
309 Main Street, Suite F, Garden City, 912-656-3774
Blessings in a Bookbag
Weekly food support for families with school-aged children.
Build A Bridge Foundation - FreeFood.org 5212 Silk Hope Road, Savannah, GA. Free food distribution
Ceceline Blake Foundation 1824 Montgomery St, Savannah or 2005 Waters Ave, Savannah
Chevis Oak Baptist Church 102 Sylvania Road, 912-925-3852
Christ Memorial Baptist Church 1023 Dutchtown Road, 912-927-0610
City Church E 38th Street, 912-414-3883
City of Savannah and Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
Savannah-Chatham Food Distribution. Memorial Stadium, 101 John J. Scott, Savannah, GA. Friday, November 7th. Starts at 8:00am. One box per vehicle, drive through only. Enter via Skidaway Road (Southbound). Turn right onto Eisenberg Drive at Alee Temple to form a line.
DoorDash
Delivery and service fees are waived for one grocery order placed from 11/01/25 through 11/30/25 at select SNAP enabled stores on DoorDash. Eligible customers must use promo code SNAPDD to redeem.
Emmaus House
Food Distribution Center. 18 Abercorn Street, Savannah GA 31401, Bag Day (sandwich meal bags) Friday 8:30a-9am, Breakfast Mon- Friday 8:30am-10am.
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany All Angels Food Pantry 301 Waters Ave. Savannah, GA 31404. Tuesdays, 8:30 am – 11 am.
First Bryan Baptist Church
Grocery giveaway on the 3rd Saturday of the month. The next dates are November 15th and December 20th. 575 W Bryan Street, Savannah, Georgia, 31401 912-232-5526.
Forsyth Farmers Market
On Saturday, November 15th , a limited number of fresh food coupons will be distributed at the Market in Forsyth Park to enable individuals who have been hurt by the government shutdown to purchase up to $50.00 of fresh farm products (produce, eggs, etc.)
On Wednesday, November 19th , 100 bags of fresh produce will be distributed at 11 am at the Front Porch at 2203 Abercorn Street. The entrance will be to the building on the Abercorn side. First come, first served.
G.L.O.W. Ministries
Phone: (912) 663-5806. Address: 376 5th St. Meldrim, GA. Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:0012:00
God’s Mission House
Phone: (912) 754-0840. Address: 1435 Hwy 119 N, Springfield, GA. Hours: Mon, Tues, & Wed 9:00am-11:45am. Requirements: No residency verification required
Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship
425 W. Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, GA. 912-921-5346. 1st Saturday of every month –food giveaway for the first 500 families. 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
Manna House - Liberty County 306 Memorial Dr, Hinesville, GA 31313. Phone: (912) 368-3660. Food Distribution: Monday –Friday, 8:00 am -12:00 noon. Soup Kitchen : Monday-Friday, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm
Relentless Grace’s Project Feed the Need Hot meals and non-perishable food to the community in need.
• Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m., First Union Missionary Baptist Church, 535 Berrien St., Savannah, GA
• Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m., Wilmington Island Methodist Church, 195 Wilmington Island Rd, Savannah, GA
• Wednesday, Dec. 3, 5-7 p.m., The Dwelling Church, 115 E. Lathrop Avenue, Savannah, GA
• Wednesday, Dec. 10, 5-7 p.m., Armor of God Worship Center, 309 Main Street, Suite F, Garden City, GA
• Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5-7 p.m., Bread of Life Ministries, 1410 Pine Barren Road, Bloomingdale, GA
Savannah Feed the Hungry Meal and grocery giveaways. See dates and locations:
• November 8th, starting at 10 a.m. Groves High School, 100 Priscilla D Thomas Way, Garden City, GA 31408
• November 15th at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Johnson High School, 3012 Sunset Blvd., Savannah, GA 31404
• November 16th at time TBA David’s Crabhouse, 1824 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA 31401
• November 22nd at 9 a.m. Anthony Lanier Foundation Carver Village, 905 Collat Ave., Savannah, GA 31415
• November 25th at 4 p.m.John S. Delaware Center, 1815 Lincoln St., Savannah, GA 31401
Second Harvest – Bryan County Mobile Food Pantry
Thursday, November 6, Pembroke Christian Church 160 West Bacon Street, Pembroke, GA 31321. The line begins at 8:00am.
Shelter From the Rain (Wednesdays 10:30-4:30PM @ The Front Porch): Diapers, food, grocery assistance
St. Mary’s Community Center (812 W 36th St, Savannah, GA 31415)
Free bread and sweets donations from Publix every first and third Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Walk-ins / phone calls everyday
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (3101 Waters Ave) Tuesdays - 8:30 - 11:00 AM - food pick up
The Largest Sit Down Dinners - Savannah Feed The Hungry November Giveaways
• November 8th: Groves High School/ Garden City – 10am
• November 15: Johnson High School – 11-3PM
• November 16: David's Crab House (Time TBD)
• November 22: Anthony Lanier Foundation/ Carver Village – 9am
• November 25th: John S Delaware Center- 4pm
The Salvation Army Food assistance and limited financial aid.
WF Neighbors Feeding Neighbors (10710 White Bluff Rd, Savannah, GA 31406) Every day until supplies run out - Food and household goods, clothing, shoes, and furniture.
WF Neighbors Feeding Neighbors & Inspiritus Coastal Georgia 10710 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31406. Monday-Thursday 10am – 2pm. 912-346-4604
Food Pantries (ID and Income Requirement)
Catholic Charities of South Georgia (502 E. Liberty St, Savannah, GA). 912-233-1877. Requirements: Appointment required; documentation details not specified publicly.
Fellowship of Love Food Pantry: 402 Harmon St, Savannah, GA . 912-610-1429. Requirements: ID required.
Manna House - Effingham County 1103 Lexington Ave, Rincon, GA 31326, before 9:50 am. (912) 826-2037 Every Wednesday 8:00 am to 10:00 am. Location: Macomber Ball Park at 1103 Lexington Ave, Rincon, GA 31326. Registration: Required at Macomber Ball Park. Must bring ID & proof that you are an Effingham Resident.
11/14/2025
Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
Main Office: 1380 Chatham Pkwy, Savannah, GA 31405. Requirements: Specific ID/income requirement not publicly detailed; referred clients to partner agencies.
Mobile Food Pantry Program: Main Branch 1380 Chatham Pkwy, Savannah GA. Notes: While this is more of a partner-agency distribution, the mobile pantry is designed to provide emergency food relief and may have fewer requirements when it’s a direct distribution. Mobile pantry event may operate like a drive-through or pop-up distribution with minimal paperwork.
St. Boniface Outreach
Phone: (912) 754-7473. Address: 1952 GA-21 S, Springfield, GA. Hours: Every Other Wed 10am - 12pm Next food pantry is November 12th. Requirements: Proof of Effingham residency.
The Bridge Church Food Pantry
630 Fort Argyle Rd, Savannah, GA. (912) 925-9300. Requirements: ID required + proof of household income required + form to fill out.
The Fillin' Station
Food pantry for Effingham County residents. Requirements include loyalty card (if previously issued), picture ID, number in household, proof of household income, proof of Effingham residency such as utility bill. 1290 GA-119, Springfield, GA, (912) 772-3478, Tues & Thurs 9:00am-12:00pm, Drive-thru service only.
Wesley Community Centers of Savannah. Requirements: Must meet income requirements.
YMCA of Coastal Georgia
Fresh Express monthly produce-/bread-distribution. 6400 Habersham St, Ste A, Savannah, GA.(912) 354-5480. Notes: On the third Friday of the month, distribute an average of 750 lbs of fresh produce + bread at no cost.
Health
Curtis V. Cooper Health Care
Discounted medical services for qualifying individuals
Good Samaritan Clinic
Free health clinic in Garden City that treats individuals with an annual income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
Med Bank
Prescription medication for low-income, uninsured individuals.
St Mary's Health Center
Free clinic in Savannah that treats people who do not have insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid.
Housing and Utilities
Georgia Power & The Salvation Army – Project SHARE
Direct assistance to help prevent utility disconnection and evictions for qualified households.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Contact the Georgia Department of Human Services for potential utility assistance.
Verizon
Flexible payments for federal workers who've been furloughed or laid off.
Personal Items
Manna House.
306 Memorial Dr, Hinesville, GA 31313 Phone: (912) 368-3660. Clothing Giveaway Monday –Friday, 9:00 am-11:00 am.
Over the Moon Diaper Bank
Emergency Diaper Bundles available through Moon Lockers Partner Sites in Savannah:
• Live Oak Public Libraries, Forest City Branch: 1501 Stiles Avenue
• Live Oak Public Libraries, Southwest Chatham Branch: 14097 Abercorn (near Target)
• Department of Health, Downtown Clinic: 1602 Drayton Street
• Department of Health, Midtown Clinic: 1395 Eisenhower Drive
Pounce Cat Cafe
Pet food pantry offers cat or dog food to families in need daily from 11am to 6pm. 404 W. Broughton Street. 912-777-6181.
Telecommunications
T-Mobile
They will help customers affected by the government shutdown with flexible payment support options.
Verizon
Verizon offers payment deferral to U.S. Military, Coast Guard, first responders & federal employees affected by shutdown Federal employees in need of assistance are invited to call 1-800-Verizon and will need to provide verification of their federal or military employment.
Local Resources
211. Find the Resources You need Today | United Way of the Coastal Empire. Call 211, email 211@uwce.org, or visit our website (uwce.org/211) for assistance and referrals to services for food, clothing, transportation, and more.
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