TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The longest government shutdown in American history is now at day 28.
Hundreds of federal workers in the Big Bend continue to feel the pinch financially as they go without pay.
Enough is enough for a newly-created task force in Tallahassee.
The Love Thy Neighbor Movement includes about two dozen leaders from different sectors, all working to help hundreds of federal workers in the area.
"We cannot allow heaven to shut down, because the government has shut down," said Greg James, Pastor of Life Church International.
Mayor John Dailey promised that city utilities will stay on for federal workers who can't afford to pay their bills.
"The last thing you need to worry about is your electricity and clean water. We are community partners. We are your city, and we are there to help," said Mayor Dailey.
Several federal workers watched the task force announce a plan of action to take care of them. Union President Ray Coleman said they'll continue to work as a team and serve the community.
"This is not just a bunch of workers in DC. If you look over, you'll see black, white, Democrat, Republican," said Coleman.
So, what's the next step with this task force? Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes Jr., Pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, said they will meet as a group next week to go over that plan of action.
There will also be a special service at Faith Presbyterian Church at some point for those federal workers.
And, if it comes down to it, they say they will take buses to Washington, D.C. to voice their concerns.
Mayor Dailey said any Tallahassee resident who is financially impacted by the shutdown should contact the city.
The task force will also work with stakeholders in neighboring counties to help federal workers who live elsewhere.
