As the dispute over a $5 billion border wall continues between President Trump and Democrats in Congress, a growing number of Philadelphia and national companies and institutions are stepping forward to help the 800,000 federal employees who now find themselves suddenly unemployed.
As the shutdown reached historic proportions this past weekend, more companies have started to offer freebies or reduced prices to employees, even as some are being asked to return to work without pay.
Free monthly YMCA membership
The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is deferring the February membership dues at its 17 locations for impacted government employees and their families. Moreover, the Y is offering a free gym membership for that month to government workers and families who are not members.
Virtua’s South Jersey food market
The health system giant is providing free produce to federal employees through its Mobile Farmers Market program as it launches a canned food drive for government workers among its 9,000 employees.
Free night on Airbnb
Federal employees who open their homes to Airbnb travelers for three nights or more will be paid for an additional night: Airbnb offers “A Night On Us” to federal employees during government shutdown
A fried chicken dinner
A local restaurateur is offering a free fried chicken meal.
Pineville Tavern and Pineville Fishtown restaurants are offering a free dine-in deal.
Click HERE for full list of free things and activates for government employees who are still out of work.
