Have you been affected by the government shutdown? Significant numbers of federal workers and their dependents certainly have. The shutdown has left government workers unemployed with their paychecks on hold, while those dependent on government support, such as those using SNAP or WIC, may also lose those resources. We’ve compiled a list of great things happening around town to help those in this tough situation.
For government employees:
Ya Halla serves free lunch
Ya Halla Restaurant is a casual eatery serving up authentic Mediterranean and American cuisine. Bring in your government ID and get one lunch for free. Dine-in only.
2124 W. Alexis Rd. 419-471-1100. yahallarestaurant.com
Hours: 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday
11am-10pm Friday
4pm-10pm Saturday
CLOSED Sunday
Help with public utilities
Government employees are encouraged to call the City of Toledo about their water bills to talk with a customer service agent about payment plans. 419-245-1800.
Property tax extension
Lucas County Treasurer Lindsay Webb’s office offers extensions for the payment of real estate taxes. To receive the extension, the following requirements must be met:
- The property must be owner occupied
- Owner must be a federal employee affected by the shutdown
- Owner must provide documentation of their lost wages they were expecting that have been delayed due to the government shutdown
- Property must be current and not in prior delinquency.
- All documentation must be received by the Treasurer’s Office by January 28th at 5pm
One Government Center, Suite 500. 419-213-4303. Email [email protected]
Get your pets checked
Shoreland Animal Hospital in Point Place is offering a free exam to government workers affected by the shutdown. Government ID is required. Call to schedule an appointment.
4940 Suder Ave. 419-729-0766. shorelandanimalhospital.com
Free admission to the National Museum of the Great Lakes
Federal employees affected by the government shut down, along with one additional guest, can enjoy a trip to the Great Lakes Museum at no charge through Thursday, January 31. The Museum tracks the preservation of Great Lakes history with educational programs, underwater archaeological research, and the published quarterly journal Inland Seas. Government identification card required for this admission.
1701 Front St. 419-214-5000. Inlandseas.org
Hours: 10am-5pm Wednesday-Saturday
Noon-5pm Sunday
CLOSED Monday and Tuesday
Dial United Way 2-1-1
Employees and those using government benefit programs having financial instability, especially with purchasing food or clothes can call 2-1-1, a free, 24/7, 365-day health and human service resource to get connected with a resource specialist.
Airbnb pays for one night
Announcing “A Night on Us,” Airbnb will provide up to $110 extra to federal employees who host either an experience or three nights in their home. Visit press.airbnb.com/anightonus for further details.
Toledo Family Pharmacy is here to help
Those affected by the shutdown having trouble paying for their medications can seek free consultation and payment planning with Toledo Family Pharmacy. Find the closest location to you and give them a call.
Five Points at Sylvania and Jackman: 419-470-0700
East Toledo at Main and Fourth: 419-930-5830
Free Jump Time at Sky Zone
Federal employees and up to three immediate family members can jump on a great time at Sky Zone. The trampoline park is offering one, free 60-minute jump to those employees going without pay. Offer valid through January 31. Must show government ID.
Local Food Pantries
If you’re struggling to put food on the table and worried you’ll lose your SNAP benefits, take advantage of this local food pantry directory.
Equality Toledo Community Pantry
Open 5-7pm Tuesdays and 1-4pm Saturdays
2108 Collingwood Blvd. 419-407-6225.
SeaGate Food Bank
Open 8am-3pm Monday-Friday
526 High St. 419-244-6996. seafatefoodbank.org
Sylvania Area Family Services, Inc.
Serves community lunches and dinners, and distributes food every month.
5440 Marshall Rd., Sylvania. 419-882-8415. sa-fs.org
Food for Thought
A mobile pantry serves food at various locations throughout the month. Check their website for a full list of locations.
316 Adams St., 2nd floor. 419-972-0022. feedtoledo.org
Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank
Food distributor for nonprofit agencies in Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Williams and Wood counties.
24 E. Woodruff Ave. 419-242-5000. toledofoodbank.org
The UT Student Food Pantry
For college students enrolled at the University of Toledo.
Open 8am-5pm Monday-Friday
Student Union #2504. 419-530-2171. utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/food-pantry
