CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Several local organizations gathered at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library on Friday for an Emergency Resource Fair aimed at helping families affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
The event was organized through a joint effort between Montgomery County and Christian County, Kentucky, officials to support federal employees, veterans, and families facing financial hardship as paychecks remain paused and benefits delayed. The Clarksville fair follows two days of similar events held earlier this week at Valor Hall in Oak Grove, Kentucky.
“We got together with our local leaders … and wanted to see what we could do for the residents that were being impacted,” said Michelle Hueffmeier, spokesperson for Montgomery County. “We want people to know that, whether it’s mental, emotional or food support, we’re here to connect them to those resources.”
Organizations offered information on financial assistance, job placement, food security and veteran services. While many of the booths focused on connecting people to programs rather than distributing goods, several organizations were on-site to help attendees begin intake processes or register for ongoing assistance.
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Among those providing support was Operation Stand Down Tennessee, a nonprofit serving veterans across Middle Tennessee. The organization assists veterans and their families with homeless prevention, rent and utility payments, and food insecurity through a program called Operation Commissary, which delivers food directly to households.
“If a veteran is homeless, we can get them rehoused. If they’re facing eviction because they’re behind on rent or utilities, we can pay those up so they do not become evicted,” said Jamie Hendzel, outreach coordinator for Operation Stand Down Clarksville Region.
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