ALCOA, Tenn. — Heather Boner's excited for her Lilo and Stitch-themed birthday party this week.

She loves living in her home that she found through SOAR Tennessee, a Blount County-based non-profit that helps people with developmental disabilities live independently alongside their peers and a house manager.

For Boner, the times she spends with her roommates and house manager are special, especially meal time.

"My favorite is Mexican food," Boner said. "I love those little taco things, I love my roommates, I like people."

This month, her household is taking a hit. Boner and another roommate rely on SNAP benefits to pay for part of their food. The pair are without more than $300, combined, due to the government shutdown.

That's making things tight for house manager Deborah York.

"They

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