As the government shutdown stretches into its second month, the impact is no longer just political — it’s deeply personal. At Daniel Pitino Shelter and St. Benedict’s Shelter, we see it every day. Families walk through our doors hungry, tired, and unsure of what tomorrow holds. And now, with federal nutrition programs frozen, the weight on our shoulders — and our shelves — is heavier than ever.
Programs like SNAP, which help feed over 42 million Americans, have been halted. That means parents are skipping meals so their kids can eat. It means our pantries are being emptied faster than we can restock them. It means shelters like ours are being asked to do more with less.
We’re not just preparing more meals — we’re fielding more cries for help. We’re stretching every donated dollar and every ounce of food. And we’re making hard choices: groceries or utilities? Full plates or full rooms?
Everywhere I go, I hear the same questions:
“What are we going to do?”
“How bad will this get?”
My answer is simple:
We stay hopeful. We stay ready. And yes — it impacts us, because when people are in need, they come to us.
But here’s the truth: we can do more. We already partner with grocery stores and local restaurants to collect items we use daily, and we share food with seven agencies across our community every day. We’re currently working with Walker Consulting 20/20, Crossroads, New Life Church, and the Help Office to collect Thanksgiving meals and meet current urgent needs. But the demand is growing — and we refuse to wait until it’s too late.
What we need right now
Drop off donations at Daniel Pitino Shelter, 501 Walnut Street, any day between 8 a.m–8 p.m.
• Emergency food: Shelf-stable items, fresh produce, proteins
• Financial support: To offset rising food costs
• Advocacy: Urge lawmakers to prioritize hunger relief
• Community partnership: Sponsor meals, host pantry drives, rally your church or business
We’ve been through a lot as a nation — and as human beings. This is no different. We will learn, grow, and rise together. I believe in this community. I believe in small sacrifices that make a huge impact. I believe we can save lives by being proactive, not reactive.
Yes, the government will reopen eventually — maybe even before this article is published. But the need will still be here. It will grow because of rising costs, substance use, lack of affordable housing, and the widening gap between political parties. If we don’t come together, we will fall apart.
But if we do — if we grow, collaborate, and sacrifice together — we can end homelessness and food insecurity. Not overnight, but over time. With compassion. With courage. With faith.
Even in crisis, our shelters remain committed to restoring dignity and hope. As Colossians 3:12 reminds us:
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
That’s what we do — every day, every meal, every family.
Let’s do it together. If you’ve ever wondered what hope looks like — it’s here. It’s in the meals served, the beds made, the prayers whispered, and the laughter shared in the middle of hardship. And we want you to see it for yourself.
We challenge you:
• Come take a tour of Daniel Pitino Shelter, St. Benedict’s, or one of the local food pantries. See the impact. Meet the people. Feel the mission.
• Drop off food items—shelf-stable goods, fresh produce, or proteins. Every can, every bag, every box matters.
• Make a financial contribution to a local shelter or food pantry. Your gift becomes warmth, nourishment, and dignity.
• Sponsor a meal, organize a drive, or bring your church or workplace into the mission. We’ll help you get started.
We’re not asking for perfection — we’re asking for participation. Because when we show up together, we remind our neighbors that they are not forgotten. That they are seen. That they are loved.
At some point, the government will reopen. But the need will still be here. And so will we—ready to serve, ready to grow, ready to love.
Let’s not wait for things to get worse. Let’s act now. Let’s be the reason someone doesn’t go to bed hungry tonight.
Together, we can do more than respond to crisis — we can build a community where no one is left behind.
Written by
Harry E. Pedigo, MSSW, MHFAI, CENM
Executive Director
St. Benedict and Daniel Pitino Shelters
