As has been reported in the news, federal government agencies have had to shut down because the federal budget year ended without Congress passing a continuing resolution or a new budget.

SHA and other housing authorities have been told that housing assistance will be covered through the end of December, and entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicaid should not be impacted.

However, recipients of food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) did not receive their usual benefits as of November 1, and funding for this essential program is likely to be uncertain during the shutdown.

SHA recognizes this is a serious concern for members of our community. The situation in Washington D.C. continues to be in flux, and so families might be needing additional food resources right away. Both Washington State and the City of Seattle have pledged additional aid to food banks during the pause in SNAP benefits. If you are in need of food, visit wa211.org/resources/food or foodlifeline.org/find-food.

SHA is in contact with our members of Congress, the Governor’s office, DSHS and our regional partners to share information about the impacts on families and communities.

Because SHA does not run SNAP, it’s important people get information directly from DSHS. To see the latest updates, visit dshs.wa.gov.