Updated: November 17, 2025

MSC is open and providing services.  During this uncertain time, we are here to help you access all the resources that are available to you. While the government shutdown has ended, there still may be delay in programs and services opening.  Please keep any existing appointment for services and complete any application for open services that may help you. Listed are any specific impacts to MSC programs and additional resources for assistance. 

Food

MSC's food bank is open and serving households with weekly appointments for food. Please visit our food bank page for more info on how to make an appointment to visit the food bank. 

Energy Assistance

PSE HELP is open and accepting applications online at PSE.com. MSC is anticipating opening appointments for LIHEAP energy assistance in January. 

Housing Support and Resources

All of MSC's housing programs are currently operating normally at this time. 

Employment Program

MSC's employment program, Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) is currently on pause as of October 31, 2025. MSC operates this program though DSHS and they have decided to suspend the BFET program due to the Federal Government shutdown and the suspension of SNAP Benefits on November 1. BFET services will reopen on Wednesday, November 19. 

Education Program

MSC's education program is currently operating normally at this time.

Resource Navigation Programs

All of MSC's resource navigation programs are currently operating normally at this time.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

MSC's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is currently operating normally at this time.

Ways we can uplift our neighbors and opportunities for support include:

• Making a cash donation to support MSC’s food bank. Cash donations allow us to purchase food in bulk, stretching the impact of your gift. 
• Donating non-perishable food items to the food bank.
• Hosting a food drive at your business, church, or with your friends and family.
• Checking in on your neighbors and provide a meal if needed.
• Encouraging others to keep their appointments for assistance and to apply for any programs they may be eligible for.

Food: 

In addition to MSC’s food bank, you may find support for food through these other sources: 

• Food Bank Finder on Hunger Free Washington https://www.hungerfreewa.org/foodbanks 
• South King County Food Banks https://skcfc.org/member-food-banks/
  
• Browns Point United Methodist Church Food Bank https://brownspointchurch.org/ 
• Federal Way Senior Center Food Bank https://federalwayseniorcenter.org/food-bank/ 
• Pacific Islander Community Association of WA (PICA) Food Bank https://www.picawa.org/services/pfn/ 
• Four Square Northwest Church Food Bank (limited zip codes 98023, 98422, 98003, and 98001) Phone 253-838-6321 
• SODO Community Market https://www.northwestharvest.org/our-work/community-programs/sodo-community-market/ 
• Federal Way Community Caregiving Network partners with local churches to provide two meals weekly http://www.fwccn.org/services.html  
• Calvary Lutheran in Federal Way has a sack lunch program Monday-Thursday http://www.calvaryfw.org/sack-lunch-ministry.html 
• Other local churches may also be providing resources
• Buy Nothing, neighborhood groups, and resource pages on social media sites such as Facebook and Nextdoor. Many people are mobilizing on social media to help support households needing food. 

Immigrants and Refugees:

Resources provided by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project 

• Family Safety Plan – lcycwa.org/resources/immigration 

• Legal help, know your rights, webinars. Contact NWIRP: nwirp.org/get-help/ 

• Know your rights with ICE: waisn.org/kyrice 

• Know Your Rights: CBP Home: https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-cbp-home/ 

• Green Card Holders: KYRs and Risks: https://www.nilc.org/resources/green-card-holders-know-your-rights-risks-during-the-second-trump-administration/ 

• Hotlines 

• Call the Rapid Response Hotline to report raids in your communities, or to request accompaniment: 844-724-3737 

• Text “ICE” or “Migra” to 509-300-4959 to receive news about raids in your community 

• If you or a loved one is detained at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, please contact NWIRP at 253.383.0519 or 877.814.6444 (Toll Free).