Federal Government Shutdown Information & Resources

A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass funding bills or a continuing resolution to authorize federal spending. Without that funding, many agencies must suspend nonessential operations.

These programs may see delays. Contracts or grants already in place may continue to be serviced if funding is allowed, but new applications or oversight may slow or stop.

• ·Food and Nutrition benefits (SNAP) are expected to be funded through October. If the shutdown extends into November, this could change
• WIC benefits may be reduced in the coming weeks. As of October 7, the NC Department of Health and Human Services shared with Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) that it received federal contingency funds to sustain the program for about three weeks.
• Veteran health care and benefits (like compensation, pensions, education, housing) will continue. Regional VA offices will close, but healthcare and benefits processing remain active

We are:

• Reviewing federally funded programs to identify impacts
• Continuing to work as normal, while maintaining close contact with the state for updates and guidance
• Monitoring developments closely with County leadership and our HHS Business Operations team
• Striving to deliver clear, relevant information to the public

Local pantries include:

• Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM), 704-786-4709 option #3 (several community pantries operate under CCM)
• Elder Orphan Care (Senior food assistance), 704-787-5280
• Salvation Army of Cabarrus County, 704-782-7822
• The House of Hope Operation Bread Basket, 704-784-2581
• Concord Christian Church Second Harvest Pantry, 704-788-4726

• Cooperative Christian Ministry, 704-786-4709 option #6: Online applications for crisis assistance as well as a transitional housing program
• HelpwithHousing.net: Digital platform connecting you to the appropriate resource that best fits your needs
• City of Concord Housing Authority, 704-920-6100: The Housing Department offers affordable rental housing and four (4) public housing sites. The Housing Department administers programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) and the ROSS Homeownership Program.
• United Way Hope Line, 919-361-4835: Info for needs related to bills, mental health, housing, food, substance abuse and more
• City of Kannapolis Housing Assistance, 704-920-4332: Limited programs for housing assistance
• Habitat for Humanity, 704-786-4001: Nonprofit organization helping people build or improve their home

• El Puente Hispano, 980-389-0615: Programs designed to strengthen and support the Hispanic community through four key areas: education, community empowerment, teen programs and health.
• Mental Health Resources – Hope4NC & 988: Mental health and substance use support: Call or text 1-855-587-3463 (Hope4NC). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 for immediate counseling and support.
• Cabarrus Health Alliance: Public behavioral health, dental services, clinical services, environmental health, family support and other services are provided by Cabarrus Health Alliance. Call 704-920-1000 or visit cabarrushealth.org.
• Cabarrus County resource list (food, housing, bills, health care and more)

• TANF (cash assistance): May continue if the state chooses to fund benefits during the shutdown.
• Housing assistance (HUD): Vouchers and rental assistance are funded through the end of 2025, but new contracts or voucher issuance may be delayed if the shutdown lasts longer.
• FHA loans: New FHA loan processing may slow or pause.
• Student loans: Federal Student Aid will operate for a short period, but a prolonged shutdown could delay FAFSA processing or loan assistance.
• Small businesses and farmers: The SBA will not issue new loans. USDA offices will close, halting new farm loans or subsidy payments. Disaster loans may process more slowly.

· Cabarrus County Cooperative Extension: 715 Cabarrus Ave. W, Concord, NC 28027 / 704-920-3310 / cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu

Many federal regulatory, permitting, inspection, or licensing functions might slow, pause or be suspended. Federal courts may only operate in limited capacity (those functions tied to life/safety or constitutionally mandated).

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is self-funded and will continue normal operations.

No. Schools are funded by state and local governments. Some early care and federally funded child programs may be affected.

It’s possible. The FDA will continue to inspect imported food but will suspend many domestic inspections (like testing for salmonella or E. coli). Environmental and workplace safety inspections may also pause.

Yes, but expect longer wait times at airports. TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and Customs staff are essential and will still work, but staffing shortages may cause delays.

• Passport services remain open, though processing may be slower if offices are in federally operated buildings
• Global Entry appointments may be canceled

Most national parks and federally operated museums will close. Some outdoor sites, such as trails and open-air memorials, remain open. However, services like restrooms, visitor centers and maintenance areas will not be staffed.

Federal courts will stay open for at least two weeks into the shutdown. Some proceedings may be delayed if federal attorneys are furloughed.

Residents should proceed with regularly scheduled County business. If you rely on a federal program (grants, USDA support, passport or visa processing, etc.), anticipate delays. If you or someone in your household is a federal employee, we encourage you to stay informed via federal agency communications.