An Arlington nonprofit has launched a new emergency assistance fund for out-of-work federal employees.
Arlington Thrive’s new Federal Worker Resilience Fund, which provides direct aid for rent, utility payments and other essentials, is meant to support fired and furloughed federal workers “whose jobs were affected by recent policy changes.”
Clients must be Arlington residents with a balance under $1,000, who have been at or below 80% of the area median income for three months.
“For 50 years, Thrive has supported multiple generations of neighbors through moments of uncertainty: from recessions to the COVID-19 pandemic — we’ve been there,” Arlington Thrive Executive Director Melanie Anderson said in a press release. “This moment of uncertainty is no different from others we’ve faced as a community.”
The fund, created last week through “a generous gift from a private donor,” can provide up to $750 for the following expenses on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Rent and security deposits
- Utilities
- Moving expenses
- Grocery/health supplies
- Medical expenses, including prescriptions
- Dental expenses
- Vision exams and eyeglasses
Clients must be willing to provide documentation such as a lease, bank statements and utility or medical bills.
Arlington unemployment claims have surged since mass federal layoffs began earlier this year. As of April, jobless figures were up 64% year-over-year, with 4,862 residents looking for work compared to 2,972 in April 2024.
Arlington was home to an estimated 23,800 federal workers last year, according to county estimates.
“Our neighbors and loved ones are being affected by circumstances beyond their control,” Anderson said. “What should be within their control is the ability to remain in their homes, in their neighborhoods and in the community they’ve helped build.”
