A government shutdown doesn't signal a complete shutdown for all federal employees. Some departments and organizations, like the airport and post office remain open, requiring employees like TSA agents or airport controllers to report to work without pay. 

  • Community stepping up to help furloughed airport employees
  • Local church lending a hand with feeding furloughed workers
  • Federal employees on verge of missing second paycheck

And while historically, furloughed employees have been paid once a shutdown ends, that does't help pay the bills in the meantime. 

To help fill in the gaps, the Ontario-based Love Chapel church partnered with Feeding America to lend a hand. 

"We were getting a lot of calls," lead pastor Daryl Jackson said. "Plus when I go home, I pass the airport and I was just thinking, right here at the airport there’s so many workers and what was the best way to help them?"

He decided that puting food on their plates was the best way to help and within two weeks the church had put together enough food for over 60 baskets. Ontario TSA Agent, Patty Allen, was grateful for the support. 

"[The shutdown] affects everything," she explained. "It affects your food situation, your pantry. You see it getting lower and lower."

She said that without community support it would have been nearly impossible to get by. Federal workers have already missed one paycheck and are on the verge of missing two. 

"I just have to trust in God that he’s going to take care of me, my kids, and my family," she said. "Because, I can’t control the government. I can’t control what happens."

"We received a letter that we were being furloughed, but unfortunately your bills don’t stop," Allen said.