Help for workers

To alleviate some of the burden, several banks on

the Space Coast are offering special financing for employees affected by the shutdown.

Space Coast Credit Union is giving government contractors the option to apply for a one-year, 0 percent interest loan equal to a month’s pay. Launch Federal Credit Union is also offering a 12-month, interestfree loan for up to $3,000.

For employees hoping to save on grocery bills, several food pantries, including Hummingbird Pantry, are also available.

“If you can get the food from us, then that takes the pressure off,” said Hummingbird’s founder Gina Stanford. “You’re spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars on groceries a month, and that can go to a bill.”

The pantry, which will accept furloughed workers with proof of their status, will open Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Based on the inquiries she’s been receiving, Stanford said she expects to get KSC workers.

“With the government shutdown, it’s going to be people who never even stepped into a food pantry before, never even thought about a food pantry,” she said. “Our goal is that everybody that comes is going to leave with food.”

The pantry will also be open Jan. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m., Feb. 8 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and Feb. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 3000 Jolly Street, building 4, in Titusville.