Crisis Management Resources

United Ways of Texas: Government Shutdown Resource Hub

Last updated: October 21, 2025

As of Oct 1., Congress has not passed a budget to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2026, resulting in a government shutdown. During this period, many federal agencies and programs are either closed or operating with limited staff and resources.

For our United Ways and our communities, the impacts of a shutdown are real. When the government closes its doors, people turn to nonprofits in even greater numbers for help—at the same time those nonprofits face delays in reimbursements and renewals for government grants and contracts.

This page provides timely updates, guidance, and tools to help Texas United Ways stay informed and support their communities during the shutdown.

SNAP UPDATE: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has announced that SNAP benefits for November will not be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past October 27. HHSC will issue benefits as soon as it receives new federal guidance. To learn more, see the HHSC guidance and FAQs on SNAP benefits for the latest information and updates. If you have questions or need help connecting with local food resources, call 211 or visit 211texas.org.

Shutdown Resources

Each federal agency has posted—or will post—a contingency plan outlining which programs are affected and how they are operating during the shutdown. 
🔗 View Federal Agency Contingency Plans (OMB)

Review the plans most relevant to your United Way’s work and community priorities. These resources are the best way to stay up to date on which programs may experience delays or interruptions. 

This is a critical time to promote 211 and other local supports your United Way offers. 

Encourage your teams and partners to:

  • Share 211 widely through social media, websites, newsletters, and local media.
  • Remind community members that 211 is a trusted entry point for finding help with food, housing, utilities, and more.
  • Keep local 211 call centers informed of any community-specific updates or service changes.

➡️ Visit 211texas.org or call 2-1-1 to connect residents to help in real time. 

Keep your boards, partners, and local leaders informed about how the shutdown is affecting families, nonprofits, and communities in your area. 
Sharing what’s happening on the ground helps policymakers and funders understand the ripple effects and strengthens collective advocacy.

UWT encourages you to document local stories and data to help illustrate impact statewide. 

If your United Way receives federal funding, anticipate possible delays in reimbursements or renewals.

Consider what short-term adjustments may be needed to maintain operations and support partner agencies during this period.

United Way Worldwide has prepared key messages and communication templates to help local organizations share consistent, informed messaging.

📩 For questions or to share local impacts: Email: Ashley.harris@uwtexas.org  

  • United Way Worldwide Shutdown Messaging Toolkit (link when available) 

  • Congress.gov FAQ on Government Shutdowns and Executive Branch Operations 

  • Texas Workforce Commission Updates 

  • 211 Texas – Find Local Help 

Use this Communications toolkit for resources, language, and social media strategy surrounding the US Government Shutdown.

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Texas Flood Relief

Our hearts remain heavy as updates continue to come in after the flooding in communities across Texas. The loss of life and destruction of property are unfathomable. We continue to pray for all families, staff and community members affected by this tragedy.  

As a trusted community leader, United Way has been there every step of the way. From leading active disaster response, organizing volunteers, gathering resources, and responding to direct community needs. And United Way will continue to be there during the long-term recovery efforts.  

In order to support these efforts, you can find information on those funds as well as other details and resources below. Thank you for your interest in helping!

How You Can Help

QR code for flood relief page

Texas Flooding Resources

Local United Way Flood Relief Funds (as of July 14):

Other Relief Funds:

Donating In-Kind Items:

  • Kerr County Update (as of July 12):
    • Encouraging monetary donations. Please do not collect or bring in-kind donations into the impacted area unless they are by direct request by local officials and or in coordination with the VOAD or Texas VALs. 
  • San Angelo/ Concho Valley Update (as of July 12):
    • Thank you for your in-kind donations! At the moment in-kind donations are on hold, but as needs arise we will update the community/donors via social media. Please refer to the United Way of the Concho Valley Facebook Page for the latest update.

Volunteering:

  • Hill Country - Kerr County
    • Local Hotline for Volunteers – 830-465-4797 - A Volunteer Reception Center is open at the Salvation Army - 855 Hays Street, Kerrville, TX hours 8am – 5pm to support coordinated volunteer coordination.
  • San Angelo/ Concho Valley
    • Please use this form to sign up and be alerted where volunteers will be needed this week: https://forms.gle/N8HmRFxScLpMrNuS8 . Please be patient for a response and wait until you are contacted. Do not self-deploy to affected areas. Thank you for your interest!

 

Need Help?

  • Local Community Resources
    • 2-1-1 Texas: Dial 2-1-1 or from a mobile phone, (877) 541-7905 or 211texas.org
  • Reporting Damage
    • Individuals impacted and survivors should complete the iSTAT (Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool) damage survey as quickly as possible: iSTAT Damage Surveys

      • Note: The objective of this survey is to help state and local emergency management officials across Texas identify and gain an understanding of damages that have occurred during recent natural disaster activity.

        Reporting damages to Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

  • Insurance Claims
    • Need help filing a claim? Texas Department of Insurance's helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 800-252-3439
  • Road Conditions
  • Legal Help
    • The State Bar of Texas' toll-free legal hotline assists low-income Texans with issues like replacing lost documents, insurance questions, landlord-tenant problems, price-gouging or avoiding contractor scams following a natural disaster.
      • Residents can call 800-504-7030, which is answered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Those who qualify for assistance are matched with Texas lawyers who can provide free, limited legal help, according to the state bar’s website.
  • Mental Health Resources
    • Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Central Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line: 833-812-2480 - Texans statewide can call to connect with support.

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

      SAMHSA runs the Disaster Distress Helpline, which provides support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. The helpline operates year-round, 24 hours a day and is free and confidential.

      • Call 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor who can provide counseling, healthy coping tips and more information on signs of emotional distress. Crisis counselors can also provide local resources for additional support.
    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988 - This is a nationwide support for anyone in crisis.
    • Resources for Parents and Caregivers -