Since the government shutdown, a handful of local Portland organizations have come forward to offer free services to furloughed federal employees and contractors. Not having a paycheck puts you in a tough spot, and these Portland businesses have announced their plan to help. Below you’ll find free admission, free groceries and free pet food for furloughed federal employees and contractors.
I’ll add to this list as I find additional information.
Free Admission
OMSI
Federal employees and their families will get free admission to OMSI while to shutdown lasts. The offer is good for up to four people, and furloughed employees must show their federal ID or work badge at the front desk.
Portland Art Museum
The museum is offering free admission and free 12 oz. drip coffee a 20% discount on all other café purchases to furloughed employees. The admission offer is good for up to two people. Children aged 17 years and under always visit for free. Visitors must show a current federal ID or badge.
Portland Japanese Garden
Free admission for up to four people from the same household of furloughed federal employees and contractors. To receive free admission, furloughed employees must show their federal ID or badge.
Oregon Historical Society
Federal workers and families affected by government shutdown will receive free admission to the Oregon Historical Society.To receive free admission, furloughed federal workers and contractors must show their ID or badge.
Oregon Zoo
The zoo is offering free admission for furloughed federal employees, their families and federal contractors during the partial government shutdown. To receive free admission, furloughed employees must show their federal ID or badge. This offer will last through the shutdown.
Oregon Children’s Theatre
The theater will be offering up to 4 free tickets per furloughed employee for the first two weekends of Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience! Give our box office a call at 503-228-9571 to reserve tickets.
Free Food
Urban Gleaners
This mobile market offers free food for all. You will receive at least one bag of fresh and repackaged foods. There are no income or personal information requirements to participate. See all locations.
The Blanchet House
At 310 NW Glisan St in downtown Portland, federal workers and their families are invited to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. No questions asked.
Punchbowl Social
Get 25% off all meals, non alcoholic beverages and games during the government shutdown. You must show your government ID to the server before ordering.
Nonna
This Italian restaurant is serving up buy one pasta and get a second on the house. Please bring government ID.
Smith Teamaker
Stop by Smith for complimentary cups of tea during the shutdown. Cheers and thank you for all you do. Must show government ID.
Yazuka Lounge
This Asian eatery is offering happy hour all day, every day during the shutdown to furloughed government workers.
Free Pet Food
Pongo Fund
The Pongo Fund gives year-round food support to low-income families. They are offering free food services to furloughed employees through the shutdown. Bring your ID to the pet food bank on these days and times.
Fido Pet Food Bank
Fido in Oregon City is giving support to furloughed employees during their regularly scheduled pet food banks. See all days and times.
Oregon Humane Society
OHS will be offering a bi-weekly free pet food bank on Sunday, Jan. 20, Feb. 3 and Deb. 17 while the shutdown continues. Stop by the shelter at 1067 NE Columbia Blvd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Haircut
Little Shop of Hairs
This hair salon in the Kenton neighborhood is offering free haircuts for any federal employee with photo ID or badge while the shutdown lasts. Call 503-208-2104 to schedule an appointment.
Financial Help
Unitus Community Credit Union
Unitus is offering to help members experiencing hardship as a result of the federal government shutdown. If your income has been disrupted and you could use a hand, Unitus will get creative and see how we can take care of you. Call 503-227-5571 or visit any of our branches for assistance.
Extras
Free Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is offering a free three-month online subscription to furloughed government workers. Email your name and validation information to expandyourworld@rosettastone.com. Learn more here.
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[…] the past week, many Portland area businesses and organizations have stepped up to help the more than 3,000 local furloughed federal employees and contractors. […]