Suffolk, VA, October 22, 2025 — Federal employees who are affected by the government shutdown have options for getting help.
The Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk, Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program, and Franklin Cooperative Ministry are three community nonprofits that help local residents who are experiencing crisis. This help can include referrals, resources, and emergency financial assistance for critical bills like rent and utilities.
The Suffolk Foundation has partnered with these agencies to provide additional funds to help local residents affected by the shutdown to pay critical bills.
“Missing a paycheck has placed many of our neighbors in a crisis situation, through no fault of their own,” said Lorelei Morrow, the Executive Director of the Suffolk Foundation. “I’m proud to say that here in Suffolk and Western Tidewater, our community is stepping up to help.”
“We can’t solve all problems, but we can help our neighbors in a pinch,” she said.
Civilian federal employees who have been furloughed or who are working without pay, who need emergency financial assistance, may contact the following nonprofits for help.
Financial Assistance
Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk
- Residents of Suffolk
- Help with bills and other emergencies
- Contact: director@capsuffolk.org or 757-935-5497
- Also provides night shelter in winter months
Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program
- Residents of Isle of Wight County, including Carrolton, Smithfield, Windsor
- Help with utilities, rent, and other emergent situations
- Contact: emergency@iowcop.net or 757-356-9267
- Also provides food assistance, diapers, and more
- Residents of Franklin, Southampton County, southern Isle of Wight County, and Suffolk in the 23437 zip code
- Help with rent, utilities, and prescription drug costs
- Contact: info@franklincooperativeministry.com or 757-516-6322
- Also provides diaper bank, clothing closet, and hygiene pantry
Other Resources
Many other local nonprofits, including food pantries and housing groups, are helping as well. The following is a partial list of nonprofits providing assistance to residents of Suffolk and Western Tidewater affected by the shutdown. Please contact us if you’d like to add your organization or update the information listed here.
Food Pantries
- Suffolk Christian Fellowship Center (211 East Washington Street, Suffolk) (also offers diaper depot, wellness market, and charity closet)
- Salvation Army of Suffolk (400 Bank Street, Suffolk)
- ForKids Community Pantry (24 hours, 119 West Constance Road, Suffolk)
- Foodbank of Southeast Virginia: Western Tidewater Branch (618 South Street, Franklin)
- Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program (402 Grace Street, Smithfield)
Housing Hotline: ForKids: Call 757-587-4202
Utility Assistance: Salvation Army of Suffolk (Suffolk, Surry, Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Franklin residents)
Suffolk Resource Directory (comprehensive, searchable listings)
Shutdown Assistance in Greater Hampton Roads: https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/15/resources-gov-shutdown/
Can You Help?
Community members who want to help their neighbors in need are invited to support any of the above organizations directly through the donation forms on each individual organization’s website. Or, to contribute generally to shutdown assistance efforts, contact the Suffolk Foundation.
