Impacts of the government shutdown on MSC services
Updated: October 29, 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. Please keep any existing appointment for services and complete any application for open services that may help you. Listed below 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. All BFET services will be suspended until the contract reopens.
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.
How you can support
Ways we can uplift our neighbors and opportunities for support include:
- Hosting a food drive
- Donating nonperishable foods directly to the Food Bank
- Making a donation online
Additional Resources
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/
- 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
- Saturdays from 1-2pm at Church of the Good Shepherd
- Mondays from 5-6pm at Christian Faith Center
- 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).