HELENA – Helena Good Samaritan Ministries, Helena Food Share and The United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area have come together to assist furloughed federal workers in need and assist anyone burdened by the government shutdown.
The United Way is acting as a fiscal agent for a relief fund with every dollar raised going to support furloughed federal employees.
People can text “2019FED” to phone number “40403” to donate to the fund. A link to the giving page will then be sent to the smartphone.
Funds will then be distributed to Good Samaritan Ministries programs that can assist with rent, childcare and other critical needs.
Executive Director of Good Samaritan Theresa Ortega said they’re proud to help out anyone who can use their services.
“It’s the humane thing to do, to support everyone,” said Ortega. “If someone needs something we can’t just say ‘Oh you’ve got a job, you’re out of here!’ No. They need the support as well as anyone else does.”
United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area President Alison Munson said even though the government is expect to temporarily reopen, that doesn’t mean the financial impact isn’t being felt by those workers and their families.
“We know that we have government employees who are in need,” said Munson, “And we will continue to provide assistance to them as long as they need help.”
Helena Food Share is continuing to provide emergency food for anyone in the community experiencing hunger.
To support the other services of Good Samaritan Ministries and to learn more about the organizationvisit here.
More information about the United Way and the work they do in the community can be found at their website.
