Operation Embrace

Across the Tampa Bay region, our Non-Profits, Financial Institutions and Utility Companies came to aid of military personnel and government civilians, establishing programs to assist our those impacted by the shutdown regardless of duration. New information will be posted on our website as it is made available.

Bautista Project

In partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, Blue Star Families, Metro Ministries, Support the Troops, and others will host a Service to Service Mobile Pantry on Wednesday October 15, 2025, noon to 1:30 PM behind the MacDill AFB Commissary, Royal Tern Ave and Blackbird S, Tampa FA 33621. Th event will provide nutritional resources and essential items to support military families impacted by the shutdown.

https://www.thebautistaprojectinc.org/

To volunteer to help with future events:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C49A9A72FA2FBC07-service?useFullSite=true#/

211

Reach out to your local 211 for assistance during the government shutdown.

Simply dial “211” to speak to a specialist, or search for your local 2-1-1 website by clicking this link and typing in your zip code and city. 211 as the first call; Crisis Center of Tampa Bay will have a comprehensive list of resources available to individuals. 988 for crisis mental health supports. Both services have veteran staffers that an individual can speak to if they prefer to speak vet to vet. Service available 24 hours a day.

United Way Suncoast

United Way Suncoast has created a comprehensive hub of resources for military members and federal workers who are impacted and are seeking supports. This hub is updated regularly. We support our federal workers during this challenging time. Please remember too, helpers often think “that resource isn’t for me.” These resources are absolutely for anyone impacted.

https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/government-shutdown-resources/

Feeding Tampa Bay

We are prepared and our services go live on Monday, October 13. We already host nonprofit partners at our facility, and they have joined our efforts in expanded capacity to ensure affected employees have access to essential resources, fresh food, and the community connections that matter most in challenging times. We are continuing to monitor the situation and plan, accordingly, should the shutdown extend beyond the immediate future.
Shutdown support hotline
We know this season comes with uncertainty and questions. Our team has opened a dedicated hotline to help employees affected by the government shutdown connect with resources and support.
(813) 710 – 9003
Monday – Friday | 9am – 5pm
Hotline begins Monday, October 13

https://feedingtampabay.org/governmentshutdown

Blue Star Families Tampa

A government shutdown can create real and immediate challenges for military families, from missed paychecks to uncertainty about benefits and services. At Blue Star Families, we are committed to helping you navigate this difficult time.

Here, you will find curated resources to support your financial stability, career planning, mental health, and overall well-being. Use these tools to get the guidance you need and connect with a community that understands the unique demands of military life.

https://bluestarfam.org/chapters/tampa/

Military OneSource, Personal Financial Counselors and Military Family Life Counselor

services will continue to provide career, financial and non-medical counseling as these

services are paid by already funded contracts. Visit https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

Federal Employee Education and Assistance

FEEA is ready to support our dedicated public civil servants who are facing furlough or excepted status during the government shutdown. We will continue to update the lists below with both national and regional resources for your convenience. We offer these links for informational purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by FEEA for any specific products or services; FEEA bears no responsibility for the content or legality of external sites.

If you have been part of a RIF or DRP, please visit https://feea.org/2025-resources-for-feds/ for more information.

Florida Central Credit Union

Existing Florida Central Credit Union members can access the Ca$h Now loan with no credit check and flexible repayment terms.

https://www.floridacentralcu.com/borrow/cashnow-loans.html

Marine Federal Credit Union

We understand the tremendous impact a government shutdown can have on our members. That’s why Marine Federal Credit Union is offering a special Payroll Advancement Program to support those affected.

https://www.marinefederalhb.org/home/news-events/member-news-alerts/governmentshutdown

Navy Federal Credit Union

Existing members enrolled in direct deposit can access Navy Federal’s Government Shutdown Loan Program offering 0% loans for the duration of the shutdown. Click here for more information.

PenFed

PenFed members may qualify for an interest-free loan in the amount of their net pay (up

to $6,000) through its government furlough Direct Deposit Assistance program. PenFed

also offers an emergency relief loan at the lowest available rate for a personal loan

product. Visit: https://www.penfed.org/financial-hardship-center

Regions Bank

Regions Bank provides emergency loans

https://www.regions.com/personal-banking

Suncoast Credit Union

As the largest Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in the country, Suncoast Credit Union serves over 1.3 million members, including active-duty military and federal employees impacted by the shutdown. Suncoast offers loan extensions, consolidations, and personalized support, working one-on-one with members to address unique needs. Suncoast is also offering lifeline loans up to $5,000 at low-interest for members directly impacted by the government shutdown. As the economic consequences of the shutdown become a reality for our members, Suncoast stands at the ready with comprehensive solutions to help them navigate with confidence and ease.

Members may contact Suncoast at 813-621-7511 and request to speak with a representative from Member Solutions for existing loan & account support, or request assistance with LifeLine Loans directly at that number.

USAA

USAA members can apply for a no-interest loan equivalent to one missed paycheck (up to $6,000) if they are employed by an impacted federal agency. Moreinformation on USAA loan eligibility and financial assistance is available at

http://www.usaa.com/relief

Air Force Aid Society

Air Force Aid Guard and Reserve Air Force and Space Force members (regardless of duty status) and their eligible family members. To learn more about grants and falcon loans, visit. www.afas.org

Army Emergency Relief

Army Emergency Relief (AER) is prepared to step in and support Soldiers and their families if the upcoming government lapse affects the Oct. 15 military payday.
AER will provide rapid, zero-interest loans to help cover financial needs until normal operations and back pay resume. Assistance is available up to the amount of one net paycheck (maximum $6,000), with repayment beginning once pay is restored. If you or someone you know may be affected, please share this information. Together, we can make sure Soldiers and their families know where to turn for help. https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The EAP is for Air Force civilian technicians. They offer free, confidential services to help you and your household members manage everyday challenges and work on more complex issues. Call 1-866-580-9078 or visit https://www.afpc.af.mil/Military-and-Family/Personal-and-Work-Life/

EANGUS:

We Care for America Foundation is a National Guard Relief Foundation that offers grants and loans for Service members (enlisted and officer). More information can be found at https://ngrf.odoo.com

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society

NMCRS stands ready to help meet the immediate needs of active duty Sailors, Marines and their families impacted by the impending government shutdown.

https://www.nmcrs.org/news/navy-marine-corps-relief-society-stands-ready-to-help-during-a-government-shutdown

VFW Unmet Needs Program is available to help America’s active-duty service members (to include activated Guard/Reserve members) and their families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties because of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial assistance up to $2,500 to assist daily necessities in the form of a grant – not a loan – so no repayment is required. To further ease the burden, we pay the creditor(s) directly. Visit: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants

Duke Energy

Duke Energy