We know that a strong community is the foundation of a healthy housing market. When the federal government shuts down, that community feels the strain. More than 80,000 federal employees live in Fairfax County, along with thousands of contractors and service workers. County leaders say the region has already lost more than 21,000 federal jobs, unemployment is nearing 5 percent, and economic growth could slow. Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay has pledged to work with members of Congress to reduce the impact.

Instead of getting lost in national headlines, it’s worth focusing on the local resources and partnerships that make Northern Virginia resilient. Whether you are a furloughed employee, a contractor, or simply a neighbor who wants to help, here is what you should know.

County Programs and Assistance

Tax payment relief
Fairfax County understands that missing a paycheck can make paying taxes difficult. Residents who cannot meet county tax deadlines can call the Department of Tax Administration at 703 222 8234 to set up a payment plan. The county has also extended the car tax deadline and is willing to work with families to spread out payments.

Health and human services
Even during the shutdown, county health and human service offices remain open. Some of the most useful contacts include:

• Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) Call 703 222 0880 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for help with food, rent, or utility bills. CSP connects residents to community programs in several languages.
  
• SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid The Department of Family Services can help furloughed workers apply for food, cash, or medical assistance. Apply online through the CommonHelp portal or call 855 635 4370.
  
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)  For nutrition support and counseling for pregnant women and young children, call 703 246 5599.
  
• Human Services Resource Guide  An online directory listing food pantries, rent help, counseling, and other local support.
  

Child care support
Families enrolled in county child care programs who cannot make payments because of the shutdown should contact:

• School Age Child Care (SACC) and Beyond the Bell at 703 449 8989
  
• Child Care Assistance and Referral (CCAR) at 703 449 8484
  
• Employees Child Care Center (ECCC) at 703 449 8989
  

Job and Training Opportunities

Talent Capital platform
To help furloughed workers get back on track or upgrade their skills, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and Supervisor Rodney Lusk created Talent Capital, an AI based job platform developed by local startup BuildWithin. It matches users with jobs, training, and coaching to support long term career growth across the region.

Work in FFX / NOVA hub
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority runs the Work in FFX / NOVA hub, which features both public and private job listings, along with workshops and networking events.

Nonprofit and Community Support

Local nonprofits expect demand for help to rise. Northern Virginia Family Services supports about 30,000 people each year, three quarters of whom live on less than 32,000 dollars for a family of four. NVFS provides food through its Hunger Resource Center and offers counseling and other mental health services.

The United Way of the National Capital Area is also seeing more requests for financial counseling and job assistance. Many federal employees fall into the ALICE category, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, meaning people earning less than 90,000 dollars a year. United Way’s Financial Empowerment Centers help with budgeting, credit repair, and job placement.

Small gestures like these remind us that this community always pulls together when times get tough.

Real Estate Perspective

Economic uncertainty always reaches the housing market. When paychecks stop or jobs are at risk, some buyers decide to wait. In August 2025, homes in Fairfax County stayed on the market for an average of 24 days, up from 16 days a year earlier. While the number of sales stayed stable, the list to sale price ratio dropped slightly to 98.3 percent, showing there is a little more room for negotiation. Median prices still inched higher as single family homes rose 4.1 percent to 1.197 million dollars, and condos were up 3.7 percent, but affordability remains tight.

That does not mean buyers and sellers should freeze. If you are thinking about entering the market, now is the time to plan. Sellers should price wisely and make sure their homes shine. Buyers can take advantage of more listings and softer prices to get good terms. I am always available to talk through your options and help you move forward with confidence.

Conclusion

Shutdowns are disruptive, but Fairfax County’s public agencies, nonprofits, and local businesses are ready to support the people who live here. From flexible tax plans and community hotlines to job matching programs and restaurant discounts, this area is built to handle tough moments together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Fairfax County offices open during the federal shutdown?
Yes. County offices, schools, and essential services remain open. Local tax offices, health departments, and human service agencies continue to operate.

2. Can furloughed federal workers get help paying bills?
Yes. The Coordinated Services Planning hotline (703 222 0880) connects residents to rent, food, and utility assistance. Payment plans for county taxes are also available.

3. Will the shutdown affect home loans or closings?
Some federally backed loans, like FHA or VA loans, may face slight delays if agency staff are furloughed. However, most transactions continue with minimal interruption. Local lenders and title companies are still processing closings.

4. Where can I find job opportunities during the shutdown?
Job seekers can visit the Work in FFX / NOVA hub or explore the Talent Capital platform for openings, training, and coaching.

5. What should buyers and sellers do right now?
Stay informed and plan strategically. Sellers should price competitively and present their homes well. Buyers can take advantage of slightly slower market conditions to negotiate better terms.

Need real estate advice or help with your next move? Reach out to Elizabeth Ann Kline at LIST WITH ELIZABETH – 703 829 5478.