HOUSTON — Lots of businesses are lending a hand to furloughed workers.
On Wednesday, Hopdoddy Burger Bar offered free burgers, fries and drinks to all federal workers affected by the government shutdown. The burger bar will continue to assist federal workers after Wednesday by giving a 25 percent discount until the government is back in business.
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Among those who took advantage of the deal are several NASA employees, including a husband and wife. Nzingah Gross, who works in finance, said they have been through this before.
“Right now we are not in a panic attack. I also own my own company. If I’m not working full time at NASA, I have a button company that I own," said Gross.
Husband Phillip Gross, who works in IT, says they are prepared. He adds, “Our primary concern is for a lot of contractors really affected by furlough. A lot of them aren’t going to get paid.”
Contractors aren’t official government employees so they are not entitled to back pay.
Local government agencies are also helping out.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner just announced the city Public Works Department is giving federal workers a 30-day extension to pay their water bills with no penalties or interest. You can call 713-371-1400 to register.
Qualified employees will get instructions by phone how to fax or mail their proof of employment.
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Fort Bend Independent School District is inviting furloughed employees to fill 80 open positions, full and part time. Those includes substitute teachers. Those applications close Friday, Jan. 25th.
FBISD is also offering counselors for students and families to deal with stress.
Clear Creek Independent School District is covering lunch balances that fall below $1.00. It’s also fast-tracking NASA employees as substitute teachers. They are looking to fill 21 positions by next week.
CCISD is also holding a food drive at all 44 campuses from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1st.
One NASA employee told us his mortgage company is also giving him a break, until Uncle Sam is back in business.
