Cumberland County Cooperative Extension : 301 E. Mountain Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306, 910-321-6860 cumberland.ces.ncsu.edu

NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program: A state extension grant program providing cost-share grants to farmers and nonprofits for farm innovation or expansion. agventures.ces.ncsu.edu

• The State of North Carolina has launched a new website to welcome talented and dedicated people to apply to work for the state. Interested public servants can apply on www.nc.gov/joinNC, where applicants will be connected with employment recruiters from the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) to help match their skills to job opportunities. Registration is open for the 2025 State of North Carolina Career Expo. 
  
  
• Furloughed employees can explore temporary employment opportunities through Temporary Solutions and find support at OSHR’s Furlough Resource Center.
  
  
• Furloughed employees and their families may also access the Employee Assistance Program to seek guidance through the many challenges the shutdown causes. 
  
  
• Federal workers affected by the shutdown can apply for unemployment benefits online or by calling 855-435-6969. 

• Visit hungercantwait.org to find a food bank near you. 

• Local Pantries
  • Fayetteville Urban Ministries, 701 Whitfield St. 910-483-5944 
  •  First Baptist Church Pantry, 910-482-0477 
  • Veterans Empowering Veterans Pantry, 910-223-3219 
  • Dream Center Pantry , 910-568-3897
  • United Way of Cumberland County / NC 211 unitedway-cc.org
• Click here for Food Access Maps

• Connections of Cumberland County: Day Resource Center for women and women with children who are homeless or at risk. Offers case management, referrals, mail services, hygiene closet, etc. connectionsofcc.org
• Action Pathways: Provides a “Stabilization Assistance” program, including rental assistance, eviction prevention, utility assistance, and budget counseling. actionpathways.ngo
• NC Department of Health & Human Services: Emergency Housing and Homeless Assistance for families or individuals in housing crisis. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with local homeless services or shelters. ncdhhs.gov
• Cumberland Healthnet: Coordinated Entry process, utilized by the Cumberland County Continuum of Care, that was developed to ensure that all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to services. Call 844-401-HOPE (4673) or visit chnnc.org.

• Fayetteville Urban Ministry: A local nonprofit offering multiple assistance programs fayurbmin.org
• Center for Economic Empowerment & Development: Serves as a resource and advocacy center in Fayetteville, helping individuals and families access services and build stability. ncceed.org
• City of Fayetteville: The City’s Economic & Community Development department offers homeowner / renter assistance, rental and homebuying programs. fayettevillenc.gov
• 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. 
• Alliance Health: Public mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services are provided by Alliance Behavioral Healthcare. Call 877-223-4617 or visit alliancehealthplan.org.
• Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA): Offers no-fee, no interest loans for emergency hardship. feea.org
• Military Aid Societies: The Air Force Aid Society and Army Relief may provide financial assistance. afas.org,  armyemergencyrelief.org
• National Guard Relief Foundation: Offers grants and loans to Guardsman in need. eangus-wcfa.org
• NC National Guard Soldier and Airmen Assistance Fund (SAAF): Available to all NCNG Service Members regardless of status. saaf-nc.com

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

For the most part, no. The county’s core services are funded through local or state sources, not directly by federal appropriations. We expect continuity in those 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.

• SNAP benefits are expected to be funded through October. If the shutdown extends into November, there could be changes.

• WIC benefits may be reduced immediately.

• Veterans’ health care and benefits (like compensation, pensions, education, housing) will continue. Regional VA offices will close, but healthcare and benefit processing remain active.
  
  

• 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 still process but more slowly.
  
  
  

We encourage federal employees to contact their agency to learn more about the impact of the shutdown on their agency. 

We aren’t sure. The Senate and House have not yet reconvened.

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.

Some may. 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.
  • Passports: 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 (trails, open-air memorials) remain open, but services like restrooms, visitor centers, and maintenance 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.

Mostly no. Residents should proceed with scheduled county business. If you rely on a federal program (federal 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.

• We are:
  • Reviewing federally funded programs to identify impacts.
  • Working with state and nonprofit partners to bridge service gaps.
  • Providing information and referrals for federal employees affected. 
  • Keeping the community informed with clear, transparent updates.
  • Advocating with our congressional delegation for swift resolution.

We are asking residents to join us in urging swift congressional action to restore.