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Federal Government Furlough Assistance Resource Guide
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A government shutdown can create unique challenges for our APSU community, particularly affecting military-affiliated students and families of federal employees. As your university, we're here to help you navigate this challenging time. Here you will find available campus resources and support programs to help students, faculty and staff maintain financial stability and well-being.

Taking Control: Your Financial Action Plan

During a shutdown, having a clear plan helps you maintain stability and protect your finances. Below are four essential steps to help you assess your situation, access available support, and take proactive control of your financial wellbeing.

Review Your Financial Landscape

Take time to assess your current financial status. Identify essential expenses—such as housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation—and build a temporary budget that focuses only on what’s absolutely necessary.

Connect with Your Financial Institution

Reach out to your bank, credit union, or loan provider. Many offer support programs during furloughs, including deferred payments, reduced interest rates, or emergency loan options. Ask specifically about relief assistance for those impacted by the shutdown.

Tap Into Emergency Resources

Explore local and campus-based relief programs. These may include unemployment benefits, food pantries, rent assistance, and utility support. University offices such as Student Affairs or Human Resources may also have guidance or referrals.

Communicate with Creditors

Don’t wait—contact your landlord, utility providers, credit card issuers and other creditors to explain your situation. Many offer hardship programs or flexible payment plans during times of financial disruption. Contact your creditors before your payment is 30 days late—to:

  • Request late fee removal
  • Discuss lower minimum payments
  • Explore extended payment deadlines
  • Protect your credit score

Remember: Making even a partial payment can help maintain your account status while you work with your issuer on a solution.

Immediate Actions to Build a Financial Safety Net

Whether you're a student or employee, these tips can help you prepare for future disruptions and built long-term financial resilience.

Hand holding a pen, planning to write on a yellow legal pad notebook.

Build or Maintain an Emergency Fund

Even small, consistent contributions from each paycheck can grow into a safety net. Aim to save enough to cover three to six months of essential expenses, but remember—starting small is still progress.

Explore Additional Income & Reduce Debt

Consider part-time work, freelance opportunities, or passive income streams. At the same time, focus on paying down high-interest debt to reduce financial strain and improve long-term stability.

Create a Flexible Budget

Design a budget that allows for adjustments as your situation evolves. Prioritize needs over wants, and revisit your plan regularly to stay on track.

Available Resources by Category

Financial Assistance Programs

 

APSU Emergency Support

  • SOS Food Pantry Emergency Funds

    • Eligibility: Current APSU students, faculty, staff

    • Covers: Non-routine auto, medical, childcare, disability expenses

    • How to apply: Visit the Community Engagement & Sustainability website

    • Documentation needed: Proof of expense, student/employee ID

  • Miller/SGA Emergency Loan Fund

 

Financial Institution Support

  • Contact your bank/credit union directly

  • Available programs may include:

    • Loan payment deferments

    • Zero-interest emergency loans

    • Credit card payment relief

    • Late fee waivers

 

Unemployment Benefits

  • Federal employees may be eligible

  • Important: Benefits likely must be repaid upon back-pay

  • Apply through: www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefits

  • Keep detailed records of all claims filed

 

FEEA Support

  • Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund

  • Offers emergency loans and shutdown micro-grants

  • Visit: www.feea.org

  • Documentation needed: SF-50, recent paystub

 

Workforce Essentials

  • Assistance: Can assist with unemployment applications, resume writing, and finding temporary employment.

  • Address: 523 Madison St. Clarksville, TN 37040

  • Phone: 931-648-8494

  • Website: workforceessentials.com

Utility Assistance Programs

 

CDE Lightband

 

CEMC

  • CEMC will defer utility disconnections on those that supply evidence their employment or business is impacted by the government shutdown.

  • CEMC offers programs to help those in need in our community. Learn more at https://cemc.org/programs/assistance/ 

 

Urban Ministries

 

Community Action Agency

 

United Way Services

💡 TIP: United Way's 2-1-1 service is available 24/7 and can help you find resources you might not know about. Their operators are trained to assess your situation and match you with multiple relevant programs.

 

Clarksville Housing Authority

  • Assistance: Housing/Rental Assistance

  • Address: 721 Richardson St. Clarksville, TN 37040

  • Phone: 931-647-2303

  • Website: cha-tn.org

 

Legal Aid Society

  • Assistance: May offer resources for eviction prevention and other civil legal matters related to financial hardship.

  • Address: 109 3rd St. Clarksville, TN 37040

  • Phone: 931-552-6656

  • Website: las.org

 

THDA Section 8

  • Assistance: Housing Assistance

  • Address: 502 Deaderick St. Nashville, TN 37243

  • Phone: 615-815-2200

  • Website: thda.org

Food & Basic Necessities

 

APSU Resources

 

Community Resources

  • Bella's Closet

    • Assistance: Free Clothing, Resume Building, Interview Workshops

    • Address: 108 Kraft Street Clarksville, TN 37040

    • Website: bellascloset.org

Mental Health Support

 

APSU Services

 

TalkCampus App

Veterans & Military Support

 

Fort Campbell MWR - Government Shutdown Information

Access the latest updates, information, and available resources from Fort Campbell's Family and MWR. Government Shutdown Information and Resources

 

Operation Stand Down Tennessee

 

Armed Services YMCA

 

VFW Unmet Needs Program

 

Veterans Crisis Line

Additional Resources

Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM): National & Local Support Listings

myfedbenefitshelp.com/shutdown-assistance-map

Clarksville Community Resource Directory: Local government & nonprofit services

https://www.clarksvilletn.gov/1383/Community-Resources

Partnership for Public Service: Extensive list of resources and information about the shutdown for federal employees

TN Department of Agriculture: The Emergency Food Assistance Programs

TN Department of Human Services: SNAP changes due to Federal Government Shutdown

Fort Campbell MWR: Government Shutdown Information and Resources

If you or someone you know is affected, please share this guide and reach out to these resources. Help is available, and you're not alone.

 

Student Contact Info

Division of Student Affairs
(931) 221-7341
studentaffairs@apsu.edu

 

Employee Contact Info

Office of Human Resources
(931) 221-7177
hr@apsu.edu