Furloughed Workers In Boulder Get Support From Local Businesses

BOULDER, CO -- As the government shutdown drags on, many local businesses are stepping up and offering support to help furloughed employees manage expenses until their next paycheck. From SNAP benefits to housing support to childcare to a hot lunch, the list of community partners offering supportive services for free or at a discount continues to grow.

The Boulder County Family Resource Network is ready to help with a wide range services for local families, including food, housing, health coverage, child care, safety, education, skill building, parenting supports, and more, according to a press release from Boulder County. There are three family resource centers—OUR Center, EFAA, and Sister Carmen—with physical locations where residents can seek multiple supports and services during the shutdown. There are also other food banks, faith-based organizations, and non-profits working to help. For an updated list of resources available and the shutdown’s impacts on benefits programs, Boulder County is maintaining a special webpage with detailed information and options.

The Boulder Chamber of Commerce has also begun to collect a list of members who are offering special services to those impacted by the shutdown.

Current local offers include:

• Big Red F Restaurant Group -
  • Lunch on us at our restaurants that are open for lunch. This includes The Post Brewing Co. (Lafayette, Longmont, Rosedale, Boulder), Jax Fish House (LoDo / Denver), Centro Mexican Kitchen, West End Tavern & Zolo Grill. Valid government ID is required, for ‘Furlough Lunch’ specials only, no substitutions, dine-in only. Gratuity not included, and is appreciated.
• Blackbelly Market and Santo Restaurants - 1606 Conestoga #3
  • Free breakfast burrito with proof of ID to any furloughed worker, at both locations any Mon-Fri, 7-11 am, until the shutdown ends.

• Blue Federal Credit Union - 2800 Arapahoe Ave
  • For our members who have been negatively impacted by the shutdown, Blue Federal Credit Union will provide a special loan, a penalty-free term share withdrawal, and/or a loan extension without charging a fee.
• Boulder Philharmonic - 1600 Range Ste 200
  • Two free tickets to our concerts this weekend, or to our February concert.
• Coldwell Banker - 3914 Promontory Ct
  • I am offering furloughed government employees a no obligation, no strings attached, current market analysis of the home should they be forced to make tough decisions.
• eGo CarShare - 2305 Broadway
  • Free membership applications + $15 in driving credit w/ promo code GOVT19
• Elevations Credit Union - 1301 Walnut St, Ste 100
  • Short-term interest-free loans to government workers affected by the shutdown to help with living expenses.
• Emergency Family Assistance Association - 1575 Yarmouth Ave
  • For over 100 years, EFAA has served as Boulder County’s community safety net helping people meet their most basic needs. Together, with the community, EFAA stands with our federal workers and others adversely affected by the partial government shutdown. If you or someone you may know has been affected by the shutdown, EFAA may be able to help. EFAA’s various supports include: Groceries from our food pantry, rent or mortgage assistance, assistance with utility and/or medical bills, case management to help navigate community resources, and more. If you live in the Boulder area and want to learn more about how EFAA may be able to help you and your family, please call us at 303-442-3042. If you live in the mountain communities of Boulder County, please contact our Mountain Resource Liaison at 720-336-2326. The Mountain Resource Liaison is available to meet with folks at our Nederland office and can accommodate home visits for mountain residents as needed.
• Foothills United Way - 1285 Cimarron
  • Colorado 2-1-1 is a free phone call year-round to a live navigator (and available online, text and chat). 2-1-1 is the most comprehensive database of services for federal employees, including emergency services, food, loans and banking services, and housing and utility assistance.
• Hofgard & Associates, P.C. - 1510 28th Street Suite 275
  • 25% discount on flat fee or hourly services — estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, etc.)
• OsteoStrong Boulder - 5420 Arapahoe Ave B
  • Two Free Spectrum and Biocharger sessions to hopefully help reduce the tension built from the stress of the shutdown.
• Pizzeria Locale Boulder - 1730 Pearl Street
  • 10% discount with government ID
• Premier Members Credit Union - 5505 Arapahoe Ave
  • Premier Members Credit Union is offering a Fixed Rate Loan with no payments for 90 days and a term up to 24 months (up to a maximum of $10,000). PMCU is also assisting existing members with a loan deferment opportunity and by waiving certain fees. Visit PMCU.org for details.
• Robert Half International - 2595 Canyon Blvd #450
  • Opportunity for Temporary Employment (Administrative and Accounting/Finance)
• The Sink - 1165 13th Street
  • If you are one of the many federal employees in the area that are not getting paid, please enjoy a free appetizer or dessert on us – starting Wednesday, January 16th, and lasting until the shutdown is over. You’ll need your Federal ID or other proof of employment. Valid with purchase of any entree.
• Twisted Pine Brewing Co. - 3201 Walnut St Ste A
  • Twisted Pine Brewing is offering all federal employees FREE lunch, from a limited menu, throughout the month of January to help ease the Government shutdown blues! Limited Menu: One-Topping Pizza (red or white sauce with one standard topping), Chicken Salad Sandwich, Chipotle Turkey Sandwich. Mondays through Fridays, from 11am to 2pm, in January, government employees affected by the shutdown are eligible for one free meal per day with the presentation of a federal ID or proof of employment. Gratuity not included. One-Topping Pizza limited to standard toppings only.
• YWCA Boulder County - 2222 14th Street
  • Children’s Alley at the YWCA Boulder County is offering drop in scholarship childcare spaces to families of furloughed employees. All registration costs and and fees are waived. Families needing care can schedule with the registrar at 303-449-1951, or can email childrensalley@ywcaboulder.org with questions. Government ID required.

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