Dear john,
Five weeks into the lapse of government funding, I’m hoping to hear from you if you are a federal employee. Would you take this quick 2 minute survey to know how I can best continue to keep you informed and hear from you?
I also wanted to take this opportunity to again share some of the resources available to federal employees during this challenging time. You can find it all on my website's shutdown resource page.
This webpage includes information on what a shutdown means, how our community will be affected, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and more. As we learn more, my team will be updating this page so please check it frequently. Some of the details are available below.
Again, if you are a federal employee, I'd love to hear your feedback on these resources and whether you’ve used them during the shutdown.
Below are some important resources for food, utilities, and loans:
Credit Union Resources
FirstLight Federal Credit Union has a webpage for those that may be impacted by a government shutdown. They are offering emergency assistance loans and flexible payment options. You can visit their webpage here or call them at 915.562.1172.
GECU has a webpage for those that may be impacted by a government shutdown. They are offering financial assistance, payment plans and more for affected government employees. You can visit their webpage here or call 1.800.772.4328.
Raiz Federal Credit Union has a webpage for those that may be impacted by a government shutdown. They are offering mortgage assistance, loans, and more. You can visit their webpage here, find a location near you here, or call them at 1-877-378-3281.
USAA has a webpage for those that may be impacted by a government shutdown. They are offering no-interest loans and additional financial assistance. You can visit their webpage here.
Navy Federal Credit Union has a webpage for those that may be impacted by a government shutdown. They are offering 0% APR loans and more. You can visit their webpage here and members can call them at 1-888-842-6328.
Food
In addition to the resources found on my website, El Paso Matters has created a page of where El Pasoans can find free food and resources around our community:
Birria El Güero
- Birria ramen at the food truck, starting at noon from Thursday to Friday and 10 a.m. from Saturday to Sunday 3800 N. Zaragoza Road. 915-232-7364, Instagram.
Cafe Piro
- “Pozolito special” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, 9993 Socorro Road, Socorro. Instagram
- How to help: Owners ask supporters to “pay it forward however possible.”
Coffee Waffle
- Meals during business hours. 13178 Alameda Ave., Clint. 915-232-1356, Facebook.
Food Not Bombs
Old Sheepdog Brewery
- Breakfast burrito for federal government employees, SNAP beneficiaries and their family members during business hours. Must bring a government ID or EBT card. 3900 Rosa Ave. 915-702-0055, Instagram.
- How to help: Volunteer in the kitchen with a Texas food handlers card.
Mexican Candy Lady
- Ramen and snack bags to children younger than 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Children must be present. 12301 Rojas Drive, Suite A4. 915-335-0113, Instagram.
Mustard Seed Cafe
- Lunch provided 11 a.m.-2 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, Westside Community Church, 201 E. Sunset Road, El Paso. 915-440-7333, Website
- How to help: Donate or become a volunteer.
Pete’s Plate – UTEP Women’s and Gender Studies
- Warm meals, sandwiches and snacks for students and staff 8 a.m.-5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, University of Texas at El Paso, Liberal Arts Building, Room 233. 915-747-5200, Instagram.
- How to help: DM on Instagram or email [email protected].
Sabrositos Antojitos de Mexico
- Bean burrito for every child or teenager, who must be present for pickup, during business hours. 919 Fabens Road, Suite F, Fabens. 915-873-5024, Instagram.
- How to help: Add a 99-cent bean burrito to your order to pay it forward.
Socorro ISD Supper Program
- Dine-in meals for children ages 1-18, from Monday to Thursday.
- Eastlake High School from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
- Desert Wind School, Ernesto Serna Elementary, Robert R. Rojas Elementary, Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary and Vista del Sol Elementary from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.
Spoon Flower Grocery
- Sack lunches available during business hours. 1714 Yandell Drive. 915-219-8900, Instagram.
- How to help: Donate.
Weirdoughs Bakery
- Egg and cheese sandwich for children during business hours. 2900 N. Mesa St. 915-231-6378, Instagram.
You Eat I Eat
- Food pantry and meal distribution 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8888 Dyer St., No. 412. 915-222-4740, Facebook.
- How to help: Call or email [email protected].
Borderland Rainbow Center
El Paso Community Foundation
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank
- 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, 9541 Plaza Circle.915-298-0353.
- How to help: Donate or volunteer.
Food pantries the food bank distributes to include, but are not limited to:
- ALaMITO STREAM Learning Center: Operated by El Paso Independent School District, but open to anyone in the community. First Tuesday of the month, starting at 10 a.m.
- Irvin High School: Serves families in the school’s feeder pattern, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Thursdays, 5400 Sanders Ave. Contact [email protected] for ways to help.
- Guillen Middle School: Serves families in the Bowie High School feeder pattern, 1-6 p.m. Thursdays, 900 S. Cotton St. Contact [email protected] for ways to help.
- El Paso Community College – Valle Verde Campus: Valid EPCC student ID required.
- Kelly Center for Hunger Relief: 9 a.m.-2 p.m Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.
- La Familia del Paso: 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, 415 E. Yandell Drive. Organizers advise to arrive early and bring your own box or bag to transport your food. 915-532-9434.
- Ysleta Lutheran Mission: 6:30-8:30 a.m. Saturdays, behind Food King, 301 S. Schutz Drive. 915-858-2588.
For a map of distribution locations, including more churches, visit elpasoansfightinghunger.org/map. You can contact each location to find out how to donate or volunteer with them directly.
Food City
- Applications are on pause for gift cards to SNAP recipients and federal workers, but people can follow the grocery store’s website and social media for when applications reopen.
- How to help: People can purchase gift cards to donate at any Food City location in El Paso or make a large donation at 915-779-3641.
Rosies Dhaba
- Food packages that include dry and canned goods available at food truck. Weekly schedule posted online. 915-667-3899, Instagram.
- How to help: Bring canned goods and shelf-stable food, such as unopened tortillas, to the food truck. You can also drop off hygiene and baby products, such as formula.
University of Texas at El Paso
- Food Pantry: For students and staff. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 101 W. Robinson Ave., El Paso. Instagram.
- Mobile Food Pantry: For students and staff. Monday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Glory Road Parking Lot (GR2). 915-747-5076, [email protected].
To find more food pantries near you, search your ZIP code on the Texas Health and Human Resources website here.
Utilities
El Paso Water (915-594-5500), El Paso Electric (915-543-5970) and Texas Gas Service (800-700-2443) will work with customers to create payment arrangements.
