2019 Federal Shutdown Resources
If you are directly impacted by the shutdown and are in need of, or know somebody in need of, pastoral care or emergency financial help, please reach out to one of our Senior Co-Ministers Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs and Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs. If you are interested in making a financial contribution to support the ability for our ministers to respond to a world with a wide variety of needs, please consider making a donation to Unity’s Minister’s Discretionary Fund (follow the link and select “Other payment”).
Additionally, Unity Church offers scholarships for church events with associated fees including classes, Wellspring Wednesday meals, youth overnights, retreats, and more. While Rev. Lisa Friedman is out of the office on sabbatical, please contact ministerial intern Kathryn Jay for church related scholarship needs.
We’ve also compiled a short list of ways for you to take action, or to share with someone else looking for resources and information. If you have a resource to add, please email it to unity@unityunitarian.org.
Additionally, Unity Church offers scholarships for church events with associated fees including classes, Wellspring Wednesday meals, youth overnights, retreats, and more. While Rev. Lisa Friedman is out of the office on sabbatical, please contact ministerial intern Kathryn Jay for church related scholarship needs.
We’ve also compiled a short list of ways for you to take action, or to share with someone else looking for resources and information. If you have a resource to add, please email it to unity@unityunitarian.org.
- Read the State of Minnnesota’s Action Plan.
- Call your senators and representatives.
- Tribal communities have been disproportionately impacted by the shutdown. Read this blog post by Sam Brodey at MN Post.
- Rep. Ilhan Omar is advocating child care reimbursement for federal employees working without pay. Read the Star Tribune article.
- Questions about receiving federal benefits for food should be directed to the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151 or by visiting the Minnesota Department of Health 2019 Shutdown FAQ page.
- Foodshelves across the state are an important piece of food security for all Minnesotans and they are preparing to serve more people as the shutdown continues. Unity hosts an ongoing food drive benefitting the Hallie Q. Brown Foodshelf, located just a few blocks away from the church. Bring a non-perishable food item every time you come to church. Donation baskets are located at the Holly and Portland Avenue entrances.
- Federal employees who are unemployed due to the shutdown are eligible for Minnesota unemployment insurance.
- Volunteer at, or donate to, National Parks. The National Park Foundation has launched a fundraiser to help clean up and fix any damage that has been done to national parks during the shutdown. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
- In the Twin Cities, many businesses and organizations have offered discounts to people immediately impacted by the shutdown. Click here for a regularly updated list.
- TSA workers at MSP airport have been stocking a storage cabinet with personal hygiene items and non perishable food and pet food items. If you want to contribute to their food bank, gift cards for gas and groceries in an amount of $20 or less are being accepted. Heartfelt expressions of gratitude for the work of TSA agents during the shutdown are equally appreciated.
