Imagine going to work every single day, performing a high-stakes security job, and knowing your paycheck isn't coming. For the second time in less than a year, our TSA agents are working without pay. We recently spoke with local agents who shared heartbreaking stories of living 'penny to penny.' Many are now forced to rely on credit cards, borrowed money and community donations just to put dinner on the table. Some are even struggling to afford the gas required to drive to the airport to perform their duties.

"I am a single father, my daughter needs a place to stay and food to eat. Bills keep coming, eviction starts at 30 days late in Az"

"After our "partial pay check" my mortgage was due that same week on Monday. I was only able to report to work one day Monday. I had still had other bills to cover. I had to start furloughing due to hardship. That same week I had to go Saint Mary's Food Bank in surprise. I was only able to make it a second time due to gas. Some friends have been helpful and have given essentials my mother and father in law have given us food. Some people have sponsored my youngest daughter she has a cheer competition in Indianapolis in June."

"As a result of this current furlough I have had several personal difficulties, the financial burden, which as a result I have had to borrow money from friends and family members to meet basic living needs, additionally I have had to take out a loan to meet additional financial requirements, the personal stress has boiled over to my mother of which whom I am the sole provider, as a result she has had several new medical conditions arise due to stress which further exacerbates the stress that I have to endure. Despite the loan and financial assistance given from my friends and family I have had to accept donations via food bank and or giftcards distributed from management given by the traveling public. As the sole provider for my mother, the amount of stress from all of these issues it is starting to effect not only my mental but physical well being as well.

Sincerely A.C."

"My family is still recovering from last year's shutdown. Though we received our pay, the net pay was less due to how we were paid. We had to borrow from our retirement, which had tax implications. We had to borrow from friends and family. This year, the impact is even greater, as prices rise. Some of us have elderly parents that we have to check on but due to these shutdowns, we will not be able to afford to check on our elderly parents. We have been taught to prepare with emergency funds. What do you do when you deplete your emergency fund and more emergencies occur before you can replenish it? This does not account for the regular emergencies like major care and house repairs. This must end now or there will be no recovery for many officers.-WB"

"The shutdown has negatively affected all of us officers and ruined our morale. We are all trying to stick together, but the gas prices and the setback of not being able to pay my bills has put a strain on my home life. I have to call out in order to take of my children because at this time no one will accept payments for a later date.

I don't know how much longer I could do this"

When federal budget cuts happen, TSA is often the first to feel the impact. These are federal agents, our neighbors, and the backbone of travel safety—yet they are being asked to serve without the basic dignity of a paycheck. It's not just about missed paychecks; it's about families facing hunger, mounting bills, and the stress of not knowing when relief will come. We are working directly with TSA Union Leaders to ensure that every dollar raised goes straight to TSA agents. Your contributions will provide groceries, gas money, utility assistance, helping agents avoid late fees, service shut-offs, evictions and repossessions.

If you prefer to make a physical donation (non-perishable food, gift cards, etc.), we are accepting those as well! You can include a letter or card with your donation to let these agents know they are seen and appreciated. Let’s show our TSA agents that their community has their back, even when the budget doesn't. Your support—whether financial or through physical donations—will make a real difference for these hardworking federal agents and their families.

**Airport Donation Workers and TSA Agents are not allowed to accept cash donations, so we will accept it on their behalf to distribute it equally to TSA Agents working without pay.**