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

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@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