The US government shutdown has entered its second month, prompting government officials affected by it to search for ways to ride it out. Establishments like live entertainment venues, movie theaters, museums, and restaurants have banded together to try and make it easier for furloughed employees to get into them. However, as Forbes reported, it's not that easy.
Real estate companies are among those which have been looking for ways to try and make things easier for the employees. One such company, Progress Residential, is looking at 'deferring' payment options for those affected by the shutdown. The Bainbridge Companies, a real estate company in Florida, has tried to create policies to provide assistance through eased-up fees and flexible payment plans.
These are only small ways to help employees displaced by the government shutdown, but they are still meaningful ways, nonetheless. According to BBC, roughly 800,000 US Federal staff have been given the option to either work without pay, or stay at home. All of this has been because the Democrats have resisted the demand of US president Donald Trump for funding to build his infamous border wall.
Crowdfunding site GoFundMe has been busy these days, with more than 1,500 crowdfunding campaigns aimed at providing some form of sustenance for the displaced workers. Since the shutdown, these campaigns have managed to collect at least $300,000.
A lot of people have been affected by the shutdown and from different sectors of the government. There's security who's a sole provider for her family; a contractor with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who's about to start a family; and a single parent who's also become a grandmother, taking care of her granddaughter.
People from all walks of life can certainly appreciate the terms with which real estate companies are willing to provide for them. For instance, Progress Residential only requires a furlough letter or proof of employment from an affected government agency. Once they certify those, their rent for the period of the government shutdown is deferred.
Bainbridge, meanwhile, only needs to be affected employees to visit the company's local leasing offices. They only need to present documentation regarding the furlough or a paycheck which shows they've been working without pay. Once these are certified, these residents' late fees are waived and they will additionally provide personalized assistance to each customer.
It's the little things like these which has been a ray of light through the dark times that is the US government shutdown.
