WCBE Furlough Resources
Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been affected by the current government shutdown. WCBE is aware of the need for resources for our listeners in central Ohio, and want to help people find the tools they need to help meet basic needs. Here is a list of contacts, businesses, and nonprofits that have made services available to individuals and family during the shutdown period, and are broken down by categories. Please contact Heather Anderson by phone at 614-365-5555, ext 233, or via email at handerson@wcbe.org to report any additional resources.
UTILITIES SUPPORT/FINANCIAL
Columbia Gas
Columbia Gas of Ohio is offering extended payment plans and waving late payment fees. Affected government employees should call 1-800-344-4077. The original press release can be found here.
The Department of Public Utilities
The Department of Public Utilities will waive penalties on payments to eligible furloughed federal employees, and allow them to make minimum monthly payments until the shutdown is over.Call 614-645-8276 or walk-in at 111 N. Front St. Columbus, OH, 43215.
City of Bexley
The City of Bexley is providing assistance to Bexley resident employees of the federal government impacted by the current government shutdown. We will provide deferred payment options on Bexley utility bills, including water, sewer, and refuse bills. Please call Janet Mercurio at the Bexley Water Department at (614) 559-4270 to arrange assistance. Other services may be available, you may call the Mayor's office at (614) 559-4210.
City of Westerville
The City of Westerville is offering to set up utility payment plans for any furloughed workers. The utlities billing department fo can be reached at 614) 901-6430.
Columbus Division of Income Tax
The City of Columbus Division of Income Tax, as part of the Columbus City Auditor’s office, is providing taxpayer assistance to federal employees working without pay or who have been furloughed. Taxpayers can contact the Division of Income Tax by phone at (614) 645-7615 or visit them at 77 N. Front St.
Franklin County Property Taxes
Furloughed federal employees will be given expedited consideration for relief on pending property tax bills under an initiative announced by Franklin County Treasurer Cheryl Brooks Sullivan. Programs already are in place through the treasurer’s office (online at treasurer.franklincountyohio.gov or by phone at 614-525-3438) to help property owners facing changes in their financial circumstances to avoid default.
Wireless Providers -
Several companies are providing flexible payment options for furloughed federal employees.
FOOD SERVICES
The Mid-Ohio Foodbank's Online Pantry Locator
The Mid-Ohio Foodbank offers an extensive list of food pantries located in Franklin County, which can be accessed here. For listeners who live outside Franklin county, a directory listing can be found on this page.
TRANSPORTATION
COTA
COTA is offering furloughed employees free fares. Federal employees wishing to access this benefit will need to bring their government ID and notice of furlough to COTA's Pass Sales Office at 33 N. High St. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. COTA says after the shutdown ends, the remaining balance of the 31-day pass will still be valid. For more information, visit COTA's website or call them at (614) 228-1776.
RESTAURANTS
Condados
Condado Tacos is offering a free taco, no purchase required, for all government employees affected. The offer is good at all their locations, you'll just need to show your ID. Columbus locations can be found here.
Additional Restaurants Offering Special Offers
The Crest, Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, and Dough Mama are offering free food menu items for furloughed federal workers.
FREE CITY ATTRACTIONS
COSI
Cosi is offering free admission to furloughed federal employees and their immediate family members during the government shutdown. Federal employees will need to show their employee ID at COSI's box office to receive the free admission.
Columbus Museum of Art
The museum is offering free admission to furloughed federal employees.
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo is offering free admission to affected government workers and their immediate family members as long as the shutdown continues.
OSU Athletics
Ohio State Athletics is offering free tickets to athletics events to federal employees affected by the shutdown. They'll just need to show a valid government ID.
Gateway Film Center
The Gateway Film Center is giving free admission to any movie of their choice until the shutdown ends.