Can You Survive a Government Shutdown?

Families during the government shutdown. This is a part three of our three video series talking about the government shutdown series and how it's affected families. Hi everyone, this is Scott Stelig with the Stellig Crew, Kellerwood City views Realty in Fort Lee, N.J. over the past couple of weeks we've talked about the government shutdown, how it's been hurting home buyers and sellers in Bergen, Hudson County. We've broken down how federal workers, contractors and families are feeling squeezed basically and how it's been rippling through our local real estate market. Today I want to switch gears and a lot of you have been asking what can we actually do to help. That's exactly what we're here covering. You know, practical ways realtors and businesses and neighbors can step up for families during this time for them. Let's get started. Basically a crisis. It's not just a crisis in real estate crisis with these families. Let's just talk about what's happening right here, right now. We're now 30 plus days into this shutdown. There's federal employees in Bergen and Hudson county haven't been paid since October 10th. Tomorrow will be November 1st. Over 800,000 New Jersey residents will lose. Map measures less food on the table for families from Fort Lee to Leonia to Englewood through North Bergen down to Jersey City. And it's not just federal workers anymore, con or military families. It's over 42 million Americans nationwide rely on staff that are basically being affected right now. These aren't just numbers. They're out. There are neighbors, friends, somebody knows, someone you know, really that would utilize this service. What we're doing locally with some good news, our real estate community ready rallying. Our office started a food drive this week and we're collecting non perishable foods and putting them into bags so anyone in need can just come by and pick up the food, no questions asked. We're right in Fort Lee. 2200 Fletcher Avenue on the fifth floor. And across from Bergen county, there are 38 different initiatives mobilizing food suppliers. Government Mercury has allocated $42 million in local food banks. Organizations organizing like the Food Brigade and the center of Food Action are expanding operations. But as big as this effort is, there's always room for need for more help volunteers. Boots on the ground ways you can help 1. Organize the food tribe. If you find an office, a storefront or a community group, make it easy for people to contribute. Set up a collection box, ask for canned goods, pastas, formulas and keep things accessible. Organize items like bags and let anyone take one home. No stigma, no hassles, no judgment. Support food banks and pantries. Find a local player Food brigade Community Food New Jersey center for Food Action Join a volunteer list, donate supplies or help distribute food to families who can't travel. 3. Share emergency resources Create a flyer, email blast or social posts that lists where and how families can get emergency help. That includes local pantries, emergency voucher programs and state 211 hotlines. Knowing who to who Sometimes the hardest part is just knowing who to call, how to get how to get help Donate financially if you can't give time, financial contributions go a long way. For every $1 donated to food bank usually gets about three meals. I donated to Food of America every year. Financial Hardship Assistance Federal workers and their families. They feel financial difficulties right now. Help them connect with, you know, these resources, for example like a credit union emergency loan like Navy, Federal Congressional, Federal USAID and more. Zero interest loans up to $6,000 designed for specifically for government employees bank relief programs Major banks including Chase and a MNT have dedicated hotlines to defer mortgage payment, waive fees and provide forbearances, often just a phone call away. They just need to know who to get to Housing Counselor resources HUD certified counselors throughout New Jersey and they can help families navigate the forbearance and the foreclosure through the paperwork. Make sure that your clients and contacts know these resources are available. Remind them it's important to act before they miss payment. You know basically you say what can Realtors really do? And I tell you something, I've been in the area for 32 years and I was raised in the area and I try. Realtors can really help with the clients to help to keep they can keep a list of these emergency assistance programs and financial counseling resources and food banks and share them generously. Now they proactively check on clients, especially federal employees who make sure that you know, they understand that these mortgage rights and options are for forbearances are there and and to talk to someone before they miss a payment. Use your network. Refer clients to lenders who you know offer relief for government workers or financial professionals who can walk with them through these options, you know and guide them. Host or co host a webinar or in person info session about you know assistance programs, financial planning or real estate strategies during these uncertain times. If clients are willing to document their stories with a national association of Realtors, you know just guide them to the links for the website I put here for you. You know the challenge is you know, doing nothing is. Is not acceptable, you know, and share your resources. Sharing resources. I'm volunteering myself, and I'm willing to step up and be there for people. Feel free to call me Scott Selleck at Keller Williams City views realty at 201-970-3960 or 201-592-8900. Our office, again, is Keller Williams Centerviews realty. We're at 2200 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 502, in Fort Lee, New Jersey. We're in a large office building crossing the Lynnwood Plaza. If you need help, give me a call on the cell. Pull up, and I'll just bring a bag down. And no questions. Wishing you all the best. If you have questions, we're here for you.