Shutdown impacts Middle Georgia families, shelters warn of growing hardship

Leaders at Brookdale Resource Center and DePaul USA Daybreak say families are struggling to afford food, rent and childcare as the shutdown continues.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Thursday marked day 37 of the government shutdown, and its effects are being felt across Middle Georgia. 

Two Middle Georgia homeless shelters report that the shutdown is causing extra worry and putting more pressure on people who were already struggling. Families who are barely managing household expenses are now left wondering how they will put food on the table and keep their children cared for. 

“People are really having to think hard about what it is they need to do to survive and make sure their children are taken care of,” Brookdale Resource Center Executive Director Alison Bender said.

In Georgia, more than one million people are enrolled in SNAP benefits, with about 526,000 of them being children. Bender says even a small setback can cause someone to lose their home. She warns that the loss of benefits can lead to more significant and unexpected hardships. The uncertainty could create a domino effect: families may prioritize food over paying bills or rent, leading to a risk of losing their housing.

“They may not be able to put gas in their car,” she said. “Maybe they can’t afford daycare anymore because they are putting a meal on the table where the SNAP benefits were coming in handy for them to take of that.”

Sister Deborah Mallott, director at DePaul USA Daybreak, says the shutdown is a huge burden for the working poor and those striving to rebuild their lives. Newly housed individuals are especially vulnerable, as they try to pay rent and cover expenses without the safety net of SNAP benefits. 

Mallott also has a message for lawmakers: “If they’re not going to have their salaries cut, then they shouldn’t cut people’s salaries,” she said. “At least they can go out while they’re on furlough and work in a soup kitchen or help in the community. I’d like to see them do something for the poor.”

Shelters like Brookdale Resource Center are urging anyone able to volunteer their time to step forward and help neighbors in need during this challenging period.

Brookdale Resource Center is located at 3600 Brookdale Aveue in Macon. You can reach them at (478) 292-5123.

DePaul USA Daybreak is located at 174 Walnut Street in Macon. You can reach them at (478) 216-9119.