The federal government shutdown, now a month in, has meant people are out of work and missing pay. On top of that, food assistance benefits are expected to lapse this weekend and it’s unclear if or when they might be restored.

Some Southern Indiana community leaders say some people trying to get into stable housing are running into obstacles because much of the federal government isn’t operating.

Jim Moon, executive director at homeless shelter Catalyst Rescue Mission, said last week staff had been unable to get benefit award letters from the local Social Security office for several clients. The letters show income from benefits like Social Security and disability, which prospective tenants need to apply for subsidized housing.

Moon shared the story of a person who’s been waiting for an

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