SAN ANTONIO — Catholic Charities' donation supply is running low as more federal employees and their families are turning to the nonprofit as a lifeline as the ongoing partial federal government shutdown approaches one month, already the longest in U.S. history.
Elizabeth Nemeth, executive director of the Catholic Charities' Guadalupe Community Center, said they're seeing a daily increase in the number of federal employees and their families turning to the organization for help.
The donation room at the center is scarce and the many of the shelves in the food pantry are complete cleared.
"It's very empty," Nemeth said. "We're not used to it being like this, but the stuff is going out as soon as it comes in."
She said some people are traveling from as far as the Rio Grande Valley to get the supplies they need to make it through another week.
"Our biggest worry is making sure those families their needs are being met," Nemeth said. "A lot of families live paycheck-to-paycheck and so we know they are going to need help with their electric bills, their rent even... and the last thing we want is for families in our community to end up homeless."
Catholic Charities also plans to take its Hope Truck out to Uvalde to help those in need there. The organization is asking the community for donations to continue helping families during this crisis.
"We especially right now need clothes, diapers, wipes, because a lot of the people who are being affected by this have small children," Nemeth said. "We need our community and people to step up and help and serve with us. We can't do it alone."
The following information was provided by the nonprofit for those looking to help and for federal employees in need.
Services provided to those affected by the government shutdown include:
- Food
- Clothing
- Rent assistance
- Utility assistance
- Wraparound services
Documents required for those affected by the government shutdown:
- Texas ID or driver’s license for those over the age of 18
- Social Security Card for all household members
- Government Employee ID
- Proof of income for last 30 days (check stub, SNAP benefits, child support, SSDI, SSI)
- Notice to vacate and current lease for rental assistance
- Disconnection notice or past due bill for utility assistance
Donations the organization needs:
- HEB or Walmart gift cards
- Restaurant gift cards
- Non-perishable food
- Monetary donations
People can drop off donations at Catholic Charities, located at 202 W. French Place, or the Guadalupe Community Center at 1801 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. during the business week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the shutdown ends.