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Local businesses use #FurloughFridays to support Houstonians during government shutdown

Houston area businesses continue to share their time and talent with unpaid federal workers.

HOUSTON — If there were ever an opportunity for a silver-lining during this unprecedented government shutdown, Houston would provide it.

Because, while this furlough is one-of-a-kind, here in this city, neighbors are used to Standing with Houston.

Local businesses continue to share their time and talent with unpaid federal workers.

Lasagna House-1960 at 217 Cypress Creek Parkway in Houston, treats customers like family.

From handmade pasta served by the bowl, to the fact that owner Matt Vernon has worked basically every position in the restaurant. When a neighbor’s in need, Lasagna House will step up.

“We just want to do our part,” said Vernon of supporting the thousands of unpaid federal workers on Day 27 of the government shutdown.

He’s using the restaurant’s Facebook page to reach out to any worker who may need a free meal:

“Here at Lasagna House we believe everyone that works hard deserves a good meal. That is why we have decided to participate in #FurloughFriday if you are a government employee and have not been paid due to the shutdown, stop by Lasagna House on Friday and we will treat you to your choice of a pasta bowl or lasagna and a glass of iced tea, on us. Please bring your federal ID for verification.

Congressmen/Congresswomen pay double.

In addition, if you have been affected and need a little extra revenue, please email me at matt@lasagnahouse.com and we’ll see if we can help find some work for you. Thanks for all you do.”

“The movement called Furlough Friday, where on Friday’s we like to feed government employees who are not receiving paychecks,” said Vernon. “They work hard. They take care of their community. They take care of all of us and we want to make sure that we take care of them.”

Vernon knows what it’s like to need a little help.

“I think that God works through everybody,” he said.

Back in July 2015, he dealt with an unexpected shutdown.

“The neighbors caught on fire and burned the building down, not long after we were able to buy this place from the previous owners,” Vernon said.

During the 26 months it took to rebuild the restaurant, Houston stood by Matt Vernon. Donations helped restaurant employees who suddenly lost income. And when Lasagna House-1960 reopened two weeks after Harvey, Houston showed up in support, again.

“And it’s just so inspiring to be a part of that,” said Vernon who wants to repay that kindness with a little of his own come #FurloughFriday.

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