Alabama charities prepared for greater need with government shutdown

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama Association of Nonprofits is calling the government shutdown a civic crisis. Despite that crisis, some Alabama charities say they are doing everything they can to serve their communities.

This comes as SNAP assistance will be suspended in less than 24 hours.

“Our inability to talk to each other and come to a solution- It’s coming down to families and children in Alabama who are not gonna be able to eat,” said Danielle Dunbar, executive director of the Alabama Association of Nonprofits.

Without that solution in Congress, Dunbar said charities are under pressure in the state. She said tomorrow’s shutdown of SNAP benefits means more families will flood food pantries. Dunbar explained how the loss of federal funding is threatening nonprofits.

“It puts a strain on the whole system,” Dunbar said. “It just kind of makes impacts all the way downstream. And it’s really frustrating because nonprofits exist to serve our community. We’re just trying to help those in need.”

United Way of Central Alabama is one of those working to help those in need. Candace O’Neil, vice president of community engagement, said her organization is supporting local food banks like the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Additionally, O’Neil said they are connecting people to utility and housing assistance.

“We know that the need is increasing. Any time you have an unexpected disruption in support services it creates an immediate hardship,” O’Neil said. “Especially for families who are already working hard to make ends meet. So, we know it’s going to take all of us working together.”

O’Neil said they can help anyone find the services they need by calling 2-1-1, their 24-hour information and referral hotline.

“There is uncertainty. And, you know, we’re all in this together. Just learning day by day just how things are going to shake out. But the encouraging part is just seeing so many people come together- so many people just willing to lend a helping hand,” O’Neil said. “Not waiting to be asked, but just- they see a need- going ahead and filling that.”

If you need help finding food or other resources, you can call 2-1-1, or go here to get connected with United Way.