Federal workers receive resources thanks to FIND Food Bank & Jewish Family Resources

Dozens of federal workers got a helping hand today after missing two pay periods because of the government shutdown.

The FIND Food Bank and Jewish Family Service of the Desert held a donation drive at Palm Springs City Hall to help the federal workers of the valley.

The FIND Food Bank fed nearly 200 people.

“Since they’ve missed two paycheck cycles already sometimes it takes time to recover as well. Instead of doing response services we will move to recovery services as they’re in the process of rebuilding after whats happened over the last 30 days,” said Debbie Espinosa, president & CEO of FIND Food Bank

George Kline, an archeologist with the Bureau of Land Management, said he has had to dip into his savings. He said he feels for some of the newer employees.

“A lot of my colleagues they’ve only been working for the government for a couple years or less are in not such good shape. So, they’re hurting and I’m hoping food banks like this and giveaways and resources that are available here,” Kline said.

Representatives with Jewish Family Service were also assisting federal workers who’ve fallen behind with monthly bills.

“Right now we’re giving up to $250 for rent or utilities but were also a really compassionate agency so call us and let us know if you’re behind because want we don’t want is people getting evicted,” said Maureen Forman, executive director of Jewish Family Service of the Desert.

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz was also at the event helping distribute food. He weighed in on President Donald Trump’s latest deal to reopen the government.

“Who knows when they’re actually going to get paid. Whether it’s Wednesday, Friday or maybe a week from now and the bills are still coming in. Why would any politician want to do that for their own political gain at any cost and then to threaten another shutdown adds insult to injury to people who have already suffered,” Ruiz said.

Volunteers said they will continue to help unpaid workers as long as the need is there.

This is the latest endeavor to help federal employees working without paychecks due to the shutdown.

On Wednesday, a Rancho Mirage church held a drive donation drive for necessities that went towards TSA agents at Palm Springs International Airport.