Coast Guard Foundation prepares for emergency relief to support coast guard members

Personnel of Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes unload donated goods collected by the Pax River Chief Petty Officer Association on January 30, 2019 © Chief Petty Officer Patrick Gordon

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, announced today the activation of its emergency relief program to provide essential support to Coast Guard members who will be impacted by the government shutdown.

During government shutdowns, Coast Guard service continues but members are not paid unless special legislation is passed to protect their paychecks. The Coast Guard Foundation is ready to respond with emergency relief support if a budget is not passed by the deadline.

"Our Coast Guard personnel dedicate their lives to ensuring our safety and security, often under challenging conditions," said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. "During government shutdowns, these brave service members continue to perform their duties without pay, putting their own well-being at risk. We believe it is our duty to step in and provide them with the support they need in times of crisis."

The 2019 government shutdown left the Coast Guard's roughly 50,000 employees, including nearly 42,000 active-duty families, without pay for over a month. Thanks to its generous supporters, the Coast Guard Foundation provided more than $575,000 in relief to cover basic necessities for Coast Guard families.

Seaman Penelope Buel, a crewmember aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy, throws a heaving line during training the Pacific Ocean, July 13, 2023 - photo © Petty Officer 3rd Class Briana Carter

Working with its partners, the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, the Foundation's emergency relief program has provided support for Coast Guard members impacted by natural disasters this year, including the Hawaii wildfires, Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane Lee, and Tropical Storm Ophelia.

You can donate today to the Coast Guard Foundation's emergency relief program to help respond to Coast Guard families in need, whatever the crisis. To support the emergency relief program, visit coastguardfoundation.org/shutdown.

The Coast Guard Foundation and its supporters will do everything possible for Coast Guard families. If you are a Coast Guard member in need, please reach out to the Coast Guard Foundation directly or visit coastguardfoundation.org/get-assistance.

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation, or to help support its work, please visit coastguardfoundation.org or call (860) 535-0786.