Hampton Roads Furlough Assistance (And Some Nationwide)

I have no doubt a ton of my readers are dealing with some serious life style changes as a result of the furlough.  We have so many amazing places that have stepped up I wanted to try to get them all in one place for you.

As always I suggest making a phone call ahead to any location before you make a special trip. 

State and Nation-Wide Deals

• &Pizza released a statement saying “As the 3rd full week of the govt shutdown ends, we’re expanding our offer to furloughed government employees + contractors. Beginning today, from 3-5pm daily, we’re offering one free pie to government employees and one $5 pie to contractors. Offer valid w/ govt issued ID.”
• AT&T released a statement saying “as long as the shutdown is in effect, our customer service team will adjust late fees, provide extensions and coordinate with you on revised payment schedules.”
• Carmine’s (DC) released a statement saying “To honor federal workers impacted by the #shutdown, Carmine’s #DC will offer a bittersweet cocktail, the “Hard Times” ($6), & our #HappyHour menu will be available all day in the bar for as long as the shutdown continues. Show your Fed ID for FREE sliders 2-4 pm #WashingtonDC“
• Chase released a statement saying “Concerned about your Chase loan or credit card account because of the #shutdown? Call us at 888-356-0023 to see how we can help.”
• Christopher Newport University is waiving its $65 application fee for children of federal employees or contractors missing paychecks.
• ENSTAR Natural Gas released a statement saying “If you are a federal employee impacted by the government shutdown and need assistance with your ENSTAR gas bill, please contact customer service at 907-277-5551 or email us at [email protected]”
• Fazoli’s released a statement saying “We’re offering a Free Pizza Baked Spaghetti to federal employees during the #GovernmentShutdown from now until 1/20/19″
• GEICO released a statement saying “All #FederalEmployees and contractors that have been affected by the ongoing #GovernmentShutdown, we’re here to help. To discuss your billing options, our insurance agents are available online or by phone at (800) 207-7847.”
• Navy Federal Credit Union has been offering its eligible members no-interest, direct deposit loans. Of 8 million people who bank with the credit union nationwide, a little more than 100,000 have been affected by the shutdown. As of Friday, about 12,000 people had enrolled in its program, which was originally set up to cover a portion of one paycheck but will now cover two paydays.
• Rosetta Stone released a statement saying “Gov’t employee affected by the #shutdown? Learn a new language in the meantime: we’re offering furloughed government workers a 3-mo gift to the Rosetta Stone app by emailing your name and validation info to [email protected].”
• Sky Zone parks are offering federal government employees currently without pay and up to 3 immediate family members one free 60-minute jump every Tuesday – Thursday!
• Sprint released a statement saying “our care reps will coordinate with qualified customers and our financial team to find a payment option that works and keep your service uninterrupted during the government shutdown.”
• T-Mobile released a statement saying “we’re standing by to help federal government employees who are directly affected by the shutdown. We know it’s important to keep your wireless service available, so customers who need help with flexible payment/ deferral options should call 611.”
• SNAP recipients in Virginia will get their February food benefits early.
• The Meatball Shop (DC) released a statement saying “We want to be there for everyone being affected by the shutdown in #washingtondc with a little meatball love. Get down with the shutdown.  1/2 priced draft beer, TMS wine, well cocktails and 50 cent Mini Buffalo Balls. All hours, just our DC Shop, until the shutdown is over.”
• Verizon released a statement saying the company is “waiving late fees and agent assist fees for federal government employees directly impacted for the duration of the shutdown.”
• Wells Fargo released a statement saying “it will “work with individuals and business banking customers whose income is disrupted as a result of the shutdown.” If you need assistance, the bank says you should call 1-800-TO-WELLS, or call the number on your credit card, debit card or statement. You can also visit any Wells Fargo branch for help.”

Hampton Roads Furlough Assistance

• City of Norfolk released a statement saying  it will offer “payment plans on property taxes, water bills and city parking fees.”
• Mona Lisa Restaurant & Bar on Military Highway in Norfolk is offering a free slice of pizza to Coast Guard members until they get a paycheck.
• Wags Doggie Day Care on 21st Street in Ghent is offering free day care for the dogs of government employees not being paid. It applies only to current Wags customers.
• Mike’s Mechanical in Newport News is offering up to $200 of HVAC servicing to those within 25 miles of its office. If the work costs more, federal employees can defer payment until they receive back pay.
• YMCA of South Hampton Roads: waiving January Fees (check at your location)
• Kahiau’s Baker and Cafe in Virginia Beach free bagel or breakfast sandwich to furloughed workers who present an ID.
• Push Comedy Club in Norfolk is offering free shows.
• Destruction Room in Virginia Beach will let you smash things for free with ID.
• Plaza del Sol in Ghent free tacos with ID.
• Little Theatre of Norfolk– 2 free tickets (one for the furloughed patron and the other for his/her companion) to Red Herring during the furlough
• Vintage Barbershop in Chesapeake, VA– Coast guard members get a free haircut.
• Virginia Stage Company–  two (2) complimentary tickets to the Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home. Join us on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2pm for Military Appreciation & Public Safety Heroes Day OR any preview night performance Wednesday, Jan. 23 – Friday, Jan. 25 at 7:30pm.  To reserve tickets, visit vastage.org/hero and fill out the form. Tickets will be available at Will Call on the day of the selected performance and must be redeemed by presenting Federal Government Employee I.D. One I.D. per order. Tickets subject to availability.
• Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office– will provide free meals beginning Monday, Jan. 21, with its first Dinner with a Deputy.  Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Training Academy at 411 Integrity Way.  Federal workers who have been furloughed or working without pay only need to present their federal work ID.
• Virginia Salvation Army– A Virginia-based Salvation Army area command announced Friday that it would cover the electric and gas bills for furloughed federal workers in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake.
• O’Connor Brewing Company– in Norfolk, VA is offering a free glass of beer to furloughed employees until the shutdown is over!  Just walk right in, show your government ID and they’ll take care of the rest.