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The Dunne Dispatch (Federal Shutdown Edition, Part 2) - November 4, 2025
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the government shutdown continues, I want to remind you that help is available for individuals and families who have been impacted. I have provided below a list of resources that anyone in our community can access, including specific resources for military families.
I would also like to encourage you to consider a donation to a local food bank to ensure they have the necessary resources to meet increasing community needs.
Employment and Human Services
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Federal Workforce Resource Hub: Access guidance and resources for federal employees and contractors. To visit the Federal Workforce Resource Hub, click here. To explore Regional Jobs with Talent Capital, click here.
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Become a Substitute Teacher. Fairfax County Public Schools is actively recruiting substitute teachers! Put your skills to work, earn extra income, and make a meaningful difference for students who need caring adults in the classroom. You can start quickly, take advantage of flexible scheduling, and provide essential support to our schools. Click here for more information and to apply today!
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Coordinated Services Planning: Connect to County services and support, including rental assistance. To learn more about the shutdown impacts and to find additional resources, click here. Learn more about Coordinated Services Planning here or call 703-222-0880 (TTY 711) for help finding resources.
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Health & Human Services Support: County agencies continue to operate and connect residents to food, utility and rent assistance. Apply for SNAP, TANF and Medicaid at CommonHelp or call 855-635-4370. For WIC appointments and questions, call 703-246-5599. Learn more about local nonprofits and government services available for assistance. To search the Human Services Resource Guide, click here.
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Child Care Assistance: Families enrolled in SACC or Beyond the Bell programs can call 703-449-8989 or email saccregistration@fairfaxcounty.gov. CCAR families: Call 703-449-8484 or email CCARInfo@fairfaxcounty.gov. Employee Child Care Center: Call 703-449-8989 or email saccregistration@fairfaxcounty.gov
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Pet Resources: Are you have trouble caring for a pet? The Animal Shelter's Pet Resource Center webpage provides information about food and support options. For more information, click here.
Food Assistance
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Capital Area Food Bank is committed to providing food for our neighbors in need, throughout the year and in unexpected moments of economic hardship. To support federal employees and contractors affected by the government shutdown, the food bank is holding additional food distributions at locations throughout its partner network. These new food distributions will offer boxes of shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce for the duration of the shutdown.
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Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) Food Pantry: The LCAC food pantry serves individuals and families in Lorton. Registered families may select food and other items, including fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, cereal, and a wide range of non-perishable food. To learn more and register for services, click here.
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Free and Reduced-Price Meals: FCPS families can apply for these benefits at any point during the school year. If your household income changes—including interruptions like furloughs, layoffs, or job loss—you may become newly eligible. Once approved, benefits are valid for the rest of the current school year and for up to 30 school days into the next, regardless of future income changes. Click here to learn more and apply today.
- Additional Local Area Food Pantries:
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Support for Military Families
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Fort Belvoir’s Army Community Service (ACS) supports the military-community by providing a variety of programs to help our military connected families thrive. The ACS Food Pantry is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and available to all military-connected individuals, including retirees, with current military IDs. Please note that a military ID must be presented to access this service. The Army Community Service is in Building #1263, 5963 6th Street, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. For more information, please contact ACS at 571-231-7001.
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Military OneSource: Operated by the Department of Defense, provides 24/7 confidential counseling, financial and non-medical help for service members and their families. To learn more, click here.
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Army Emergency Relief (AER): For Army soldiers & families: interest-free and rapid loans in the event of appropriations lapsing / pay being delayed. For more information, click here.
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Operation Homefront: Non-profit supporting military & veteran families with critical financial assistance (rent, utilities, food) in the shutdown context. Click here to learn more.
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Cohen Veterans Network: Offers veteran/family tools to assist with mental health care, stress, and worry. To access these resources, click here.
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Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA): For civilian federal employees: micro-grants and emergency hardship loans during shutdown. For more information, click here.
I would also like to remind you of the following resources that are still available to help your family during this uncertain time:
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Virtual Mental Health Support: Free, virtual mental health sessions are available through our partnership with Hazel Health. This offers a fast and easy way for students to access care from the school clinic or home to address stress, anxiety, worry, and other concerns. Click here to learn more and access services online.
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Local Assistance for Financial Distress: The Fairfax County Government and various local organizations offer a range of food, financial, and housing resources. Families experiencing financial distress for any reason are encouraged to visit the Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) website. Click here to access the guide.
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Reduced Transit Fares: Low-income residents ages 18 to 65 can get 50% off fares through the Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP). Click here to learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
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Free County Offerings: Residents and students can take advantage of many free county services, including the public libraries, which offer a wide selection of books and activities. All FCPS students have a Library Equity Access Pass for easy check-out. Fairfax County is also fortunate to have a number of parks and recreation areas that are open and free to all residents.
Very Respectfully,
Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District Representative
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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