More details have been released about upcoming Emergency Resource Fairs to be held in Christian County and Montgomery County, Tennessee, to help individuals and families affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
The shutdown of the federal government has lasted for a month now, and during that time, roughly 670,00 federal employees have been furloughed, while another 730,000 continue to work with no pay. That means things have gotten very tight in their budgets, including on Fort Campbell and the surrounding community. According to a news release, numerous households are now struggling to make ends meet, including for groceries, fuel and childcare.
In response, local leaders, along with the Christian County Military Affairs Committee, are set to host Resource Fairs next week to connect those individuals with agencies and resources to help.
First up is the fair to be held at Valor Hall Conference and Event Center in Oak Grove—105 Walter Garrett Lane—on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Then, on November 7 and November 8, another fair will be held at the Montgomery County Public Library at 350 Pageant Lane in Clarksville. The Friday event will be from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and then Saturday’s event will be from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Organizers are seeking donations such as gift cards, care packages and information resources to distribute to families in need.
Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam says, “The psychological and emotional toll this shutdown has taken on our civilian workforce and military families cannot be overlooked. By working together as one regional community, we can demonstrate that Fort Campbell families, whether uniformed or civilian, are not facing this challenge alone.”