APS Seeks to Help Employees Impacted by Federal Government Shutdown
Image via Go Fund Me.
As the partial Federal Government shutdown drags on with no end in sight, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is looking to help those impacted.
APS estimates about 300-500 of its full or part time employees have a spouse, partner or household member employed by an agency impacted by the shutdown, according to district materials. Most of these individuals have not been paid since the government shut down on Dec. 22.
APS encourages people who know someone impacted by the shutdown to consider setting up a Meal Train account for them. Meal Train is an online service to organize meal giving for those who might need a helping hand.
The district has also set up a crowd funding campaign through Go Fund Me to aid eligible employees. Donations made through the site are tax deductible.
APS is also suggesting dropping off food items at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Families in need can visit the website to find other resources and support.
Another short-term solution suggested by APS is for furloughed spouses, partners and family members to apply to work as substitute teachers. Those interested can learn more by clicking here, or by contacting APS Substitute Supervisor Angela Williams.
“Many federal employees and contractors, some of them family members of APS employees, are facing the impacts of the federal government shutdown, and we want to do all we can to help,” APS Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said in a statement. “A vast majority of Americans simply can’t make it very long without receiving their regular paychecks. We want to do all we can to help bridge the gap for our employees who need that assistance.”