Mitigating Impacts of Government Shutdown

10.27.2025 - Oneonta, NY

During the government shutdown, public services may be reduced or delayed. These disruptions will likely create hardships in meeting basic needs. To help the community navigate this period, below are resources offering guidance and assistance. Guidance subject to change given the rapidly changing federal landscape.

Food/Nutrition 

  • SNAP: Per NYS OTDA website, SNAP benefits cannot be issued for November unless federal funding is authorized. OTDA will notify SNAP households by November 1, 2025 on the status of November SNAP benefits through the OTDA website, myBenefits, the ebtEDGE app, and through text message. Households should continue to complete all SNAP requirements.
  • WIC:  Per NYS Department of Health, WIC is expected to remain open and appointments are available in-person, virtually, and by phone. Participants are still required to recertify, attend appointments, and report changes and respond to requests from your local WIC program as usual. Questions locally should be directed to OFO's WIC program.

Find a community food pantry or the mobile food pantry schedule

Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABWD) impacted by changes in federal law are encouraged to apply for openings with Opportunities for Otsego.

Housing/Utilities

  • HEAP: Per NYS OTDA, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Regular Benefit has been delayed until at least November 17th. The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement and Clean and Tune Benefit are closed until further notice. Questions should be directed to local HEAP Certifiers at DSS or the Office for the Aging.
  • Weatherization: No interruption to program services at this time.
  • Emergency Shelter (Family Homeless and Domestic Violence): No interruption to program services at this time

Customers having trouble paying their energy bills may reach out to their utility company first for payment options: NYSEG/RG&E or Otsego Electric Cooperative/REA 

Early Childhood Services

  • Building Healthy Families: No interruption to program services
  • Head Start: No interruption to home-based or center-based program services at this time

Helpful Resources

  • Emergency Housing 24-Hour Hotline: 607.433.8318  No interruption to other program services at this time
  • Violence Intervention Program 24-Hour Hotline: 607.432.4855   No interruption to other program services at this time.
  • Social Care Screening & Navigation: Medicaid Members may be eligible for housing, nutrition, and/or transportation services. For details, reach out to OFO (M-F, 8AM-5PM) at 607.433.8000 or complete a self-screen online. Your Medicaid ID is required to submit the self-screen. 
  • Fidelis Care Health Insurance Enrollment: A representative is on-site at 3 West Broadway on the third Tuesday each month from 9AM-Noon. Appointments appreciated. Walk-ins welcome. More details, call 315.466.9567.
  • Creekside Industries of ARC Otsego is on-site at 3 West Broadway the on third Wednesday each month from 9:30AM-11:30AM selling low-cost diapers and wipes. Diapers, wipes and adult incontinence products can also be purchased online.

For additional support, reach out to OFO's Community Advocate at 607.433.8000.

 

Help OFO Help The Community

If you are in the position to make a difference, now’s the time to lend a hand — here’s how you can help.

  • Food Drive: Donations of non-perishable food will help bridge the gap for families until they can access community pantries or feeding programs. Suggested items: pasta; canned sauce; rice; tuna/canned meat; beans; peanut butter; jelly, canned fruit and vegetables; oatmeal/breakfast cereal; dry milk; bottled juice. Snack/Travel-size Foods (e.g. granola bars, peanut butter and jelly crackers, nuts, raisins), Ramen cups, and instant coffee also help in feeding street homeless needing sustenance.
  • Hygiene Drive: Unopened shampoo; soaps; body wash; toothpaste; mouthwash; toothbrushes; feminine products; body wipes; mini first aid kits.

Visit our Lend a Hand page to learn other ways to help our friends and neighbors in need.