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Local credit union helping federal employees during government shutdown

Sunday marked day two of the government shutdown - and with the work week beginning Monday - thousands of employees may not go back to work.

SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — Sunday marked day two of the government shutdown - and with the work week beginning Monday - thousands of employees may not go back to work. 

That leaves uncertainty for families across the nation with no word on when they will receive their next paycheck. 

800,000 employees were furloughed Friday evening and many are expected to feel the full effect if the government doesn't reopen on Monday. 

"We have mortgages, we have children in school, we have bills," said federal worker Talana Morton-Smith. "We have elderly parents that we have to take care of. So certainly, the hardship is there, financially." 

Several credit unions and banks are offering no-interest loans for eligible workers. 

The list includes large institutions like USAA and smaller ones like locally-owned Cabrillo Credit Union. 

The goal is to help fill the gap until government reopens.   

"We know that federal employees are going to be impacted. We don't know how many," said Cabrillo's Jonathan Zide. "We know in the past we've receive numerous responses from members thanking us for being there to support them, helping them get through this difficult time." 

Cabrillo Credit Union estimates about 30 percent of its members are federal workers. 

Some will stay on the job - deemed essential civilian employees or members of the armed forces - others must stay at home. 

All will not receive a paycheck until Congress approves a resolution. 

"A lot of people are scared and rightfully so," said Zide. "We don't know what to predict and how long it will occur. I think the best thing is to be prepared and know there are resources and financial institutions - whether it's us or someone else - there are people and places there to support them." 

For more info on Cabrillo's furlough assistance, click here.  

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