Homesnap is aiding government workers affected by the shutdown

The federal government shutdown is now at day 33, and a local real estate tech startup is hoping to provide some financial relief with a new initiative.

Bethesda, Md.-based Homesnap is helping 10 government workers or contractors affected by the shutdown by paying their rent or mortgage for the month of February. In order to be considered, applicants must engage in a social media campaign the real estate tech startup launched Jan. 22.

If you're a government worker or contractor, we want to hear from you. Tag us and share what your home means using #MyHomeMeans and #ShutdownStories, and we might pay your mortgage or rent in February. Full details here: https://t.co/T21yuwIlj9 pic.twitter.com/z8BLdYlMOx

— Homesnap (@Homesnap) January 22, 2019

“We’ve seen firsthand how the government shutdown has affected people across our region. This is a small thing that we can do to help alleviate the stress and uncertainty that so many are feeling.” Homesnap CEO John Mazur told Technical.ly. “We’re in the business of helping people find homes, so this seemed like a natural way for us to help.”

To apply, workers in the Washington, D.C., area who have been impacted by the shutdown can use their Twitter, Facebook or Instagram accounts to share what their home means to them using words, videos and pictures under the hashtags #MyHomeMeans and #ShutdownStories. Applicants not on social media can submit their stories by filling out this online form for consideration. All applications and social media posts are due by Jan. 31, and Homesnap will then randomly select the 10 entries to receive some financial relief.

Homesnap is also maintaining an up-to-date document with institutions providing financial relief during the shutdown.

Here’s a look at some of the stories from government workers and contractors affected by the shutdown:

@Homesnap #MyHomeMeans I’m blessed to have a roof over my head. It’s my personal oasis where I can relax, think, and work (currently furloughed though). I want to work even harder to help those who aren’t as fortunate to have a place to call home. #ShutdownStories pic.twitter.com/eiRjUkYcOy

— R R (@RRinBAL) January 22, 2019

View this post on Instagram

I'm sharing my story with @homesnapapp — learn more here: https://homesnap.com/myhomemeans #ShutdownStories This home holds many special memories for our family, but an important one happened in June of 2016. It was in this home, that my AD Coast Guard husband, was able to do the initial swearing in of our 17 year old son, into the USCG also. They both continue to proudly serve our country, in the USCG currently without pay. #ShutDownStories #MyHomeMeans https://blog.homesnap.com/myhomemeans/?utm_source=marketing-email&utm_content=agents

A post shared by Dana Woodworth (@mrswoody94) on Jan 23, 2019 at 10:39am PST

#MyHomeMeans and #ShutdownStories My home means the world to me! I’ve been in Federal service and bounced around the country for 24 years. This was my last move. Back home where I began. Near all of my family. FINALLY settled. And now I’m working and not getting paid.

— Belle (@Dawny442) January 23, 2019

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@homesnapapp Here is what our home means to us! #Love #Safety #safefromDV #warmth #growth #learnandteach #shutdownstories #contractedemployee #nobackpay #myhomemeans #endtheshutdown

A post shared by GirlsOnAJourney (@girlsonajourney3) on Jan 22, 2019 at 1:39pm PST

I am a government contractor affected by the shutdown. I would truly appreciate February’s rent paid. #myhomemeans my cozy and warm bed, where I can decompress and relax, and peace & comfort. #ShutdownStories

— Ye (@yegousse) January 22, 2019

View this post on Instagram

#MyHomeMeans #ShutdownStories @homesnapapp My house means everything to me. It’s a safe place. It’s a place for me to recharge at the end of a long day. It’s a place where my dogs are and where they feel safe. It’s my place to escape the cold and the stress of the outside world. It’s my happy place that I’ve built around me. My house is my home.

A post shared by Nikki (@nikki_mevsme) on Jan 23, 2019 at 6:53am PST

@Homesnap #MyHomeMeans mine and my family’s sanctuary from the outside world! Its something that we can call our own! Esp after moving around so much in the military, we were able to finally settle down in something that is ours. We dont want to lose it!! #ShutdownStories

— Sergio Santos (@SergioS29) January 23, 2019