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Homewood nonprofit launches food drive to help furloughed federal workers

PITTSBURGH — The government shutdown has hit home as neighborhood groups are pitching in to help federal workers who aren't getting paid.

The Community Empowerment Association is hosting a food drive in Homewood through the end of next month.

CEO Rashad Byrdsong sent a letter to lawmakers throughout western Pennsylvania, encouraging them to end the government shutdown.

It's a solution that could still be weeks away, which is why his organization is taking action.

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The CEA usually collects donated items after a natural disaster or devastating incident.

"People need to commit to the involvement and looking at how we can better peoples lives given the crisis that we're in today," Byrdsong said.

He's seen the impact the shutdown is having in Pittsburgh and wanted to help.

"It's had an impact on everybody that's a federal worker. I've had people call me already that work for the VA and have been furloughed," Byrdsong said.

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The CEA is accepting donations of essential items like food, bottled water and diapers to help those affected.

That list could grow if essential programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,) better known as food stamps, can't get the needed funding to continue -- a possibility that could happen in the coming weeks.

The CEA will be accepting donations through the end of February with the first distribution coming on Feb. 9.

"For the first time I have seen in a long time it's bringing together American citizens, white, black or indifferent. Everybody sees that we all need unify," Byrdsong said.

A spokesman confirmed the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank is assisting any federal employees with a federal ID badge, no questions asked.

 

Cox Media Group

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