Media Contact
Jamie Kaneko | VP, Communications
jamie.kaneko@uw.org | 801.577.2497
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – October 27, 2025 – In response to the federal shutdown and its increasing impact on Utah residents, United Way of Salt Lake and United Way of Northern Utah established the United Way 211 Emergency Relief Fund with an initial goal to raise $1 million to support Utahns along the Wasatch Front.
The current shutdown is now the second-longest in U.S. history, and thousands of Utahns are feeling the impact. There are an estimated 40,000 federal employees living in Utah who are furloughed or working without pay, and programs like Utah HEAT and SNAP are at risk, leaving over 80,000 households without benefits. The Emergency Relief Fund will help ensure the basic needs of Utahns are still met as the shutdown continues by supporting impacted community and government partners and providing essential resources and support through the 211 Navigation Center.
“The longer the Shutdown continues, the more catastrophic it becomes for civil servants and contractors, as well as Utahns eligible for supports like childcare, food, and housing assistance,” said Bill Crim, President & CEO of United Way of Salt Lake. “We are aligning our efforts to maximize our ability to ensure Utahns have access to basic needs and make the greatest impact to our community.”
The Fund will support federal workers and civil servants by aligning with Salt Lake City’s efforts with our first round of funding, like the Salt Lake airport’s food pantry created for 500 essential federal employees who are not currently receiving paychecks.
“In tough times, Salt Lakers do what we’ve always done—we show up for each other,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “I’m grateful for partners like 211 Utah who are stepping up, supporting families, and making sure no one has to face this hardship alone.”
With the looming likelihood that households will lose access to food assistance programs and other federally funded supports beginning November 1, additional funding will be prioritized for organizations like Utah Community Action in Salt Lake City and the Catholic Community Services of Utah Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank in Ogden.
“This is a moment for all of us to come together,” said Julie Johnson, President & CEO of United Way of Northern Utah. “The federal shutdown is creating real and immediate hardship for families across the Wasatch Front. Through the United Way 211 Emergency Relief Fund, we’re ensuring that help is available when it’s needed most—because a thriving community depends on how we care for one another in times of crisis.”
“Federal workers are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. They’re part of what makes Ogden strong. Our city is at its best when we stick together and set politics aside to focus on people,” said Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski. “This is a time to neighbor up—to look out for one another and make sure those who are struggling know they’re not alone. In times like these, we’re especially grateful for our partnerships with organizations like the United Way of Northern Utah, who help bring all communities and resources together when it matters most.”
With the uncertainty of how long the shutdown will last, it is our responsibility to raise resources now to respond to the inevitable requests for assistance that the 211 service navigation center will receive.
How to Support the United Way 211 Emergency Relief Fund
To support and learn more about the United Way 211 Emergency Relief Fund, visit: uw.org/relieffund. Donations will be used to bolster local organizations supporting families affected by the funding lapse.
Have You Been Impacted by the Government Shutdown?
If you or someone you know is a furloughed federal employee, unpaid essential worker, or are otherwise impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown, dial 211 or visit 211utah.org to get connected to 10,000+ services and resources.
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About 211 Utah
211 Utah is the single access point to Utah’s 10,000 different social service programs. Supported by United Ways of Utah (United Way of Salt Lake, United Way of Central and Southern Utah, and United Way of Northern Utah), this vital service helps people navigate complex systems by providing information, support, and one-on-one assistance. 211 Utah is available by phone, online, chat, text, app, and email. For more information, visit 211utah.org.
About United Way of Salt Lake
United Way of Salt Lake mobilizes individuals and communities to action to support basic needs and education, so 100% of kids and families are thriving. For more information, visit uw.org.
About United Way of Northern Utah
United Way of Northern Utah unites people and organizations to build healthy, stable, well-educated communities where individuals, families and neighborhoods thrive. For more information, visit uwnu.org
Donate to the fund here.
Know someone in need of resources? Please share the resource list here.
