“It feels like we’re being punished”: Local family shares how government shutdown affects them

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - Many Georgians are left unsure of how to provide for their families during this government shutdown, including a father of six children in Hinesville.

TJ Grace told WTOC the federal organization, Americorps, changed his life, but now the government shutdown leaves him and his wife Chassidy wondering how they’ll have enough money to pay for next month’s rent.

“I mean it hurts a lot...like it’s a lot, we’ve been through a lot especially since the funding and everything with Americorps has went away,” said Chassidy Grace, CEO, One Hand Washes the Other.

The Grace family is left with few options after the government shutdown, as much-needed money from working for Americorps has evaporated.

“We don’t even know how we’re going to pay for next month’s rent,” said TJ Grace, Americorps employee.

TJ’s position at Americorps was something that brought him and his family a livable income doing community work and helping others, but now creates a scary situation.

“This what it feels like being an Americorps worker during this time, it feels like we’re being punished,” said TJ Grace.

His wife Chassidy runs a nonprofit called One Hand Washes Another, which helps low income and at risk community members. Americorps was one of the organizations that helped her care for her customers, but now she finds herself relating.

“You in the same boat as the people you’re advocating for so you understand more,” said Chassidy Grace.

The two have five children at home and one in Atlanta but explaining the troubling times they’re going through is difficult.

“We tried to explain it to them ‘Hey, dad don’t have the car right now because we have to cut back on some bills,’”said TJ Grace.

The two are running out of options to keep their finances in check, but TJ says:

“...once you stop voicing your opinion, then it goes away and that problem still gone be there. You can’t stop fighting, until you don’t have any fight left,” said TJ Grace.

The pair told WTOC they intend to continue their community service work and hope for the shutdown to come to an end soon.