What's at stake?
The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission serves over 100,000 Fresno County residents with its poverty-fighting programs. But with furloughs to over 600 staffers looming amid the federal government shutdown, it’s unclear how those programs will be affected.
The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission plans to furlough over 600 employees two months from now — indefinitely — citing a lapse in federal funding to its programs during the now record-length federal government shutdown.
The Fresno EOC furloughs, which would affect 639 staff at over 40 centers across Fresno County, kick in Jan. 1, according to a copy of a letter to affected employees obtained by Fresnoland.
During that time, “employees will not receive pay,” the organization’s CEO Steven R. Lewis says in the letter dated Oct. 31 — and it’s unclear how long that would last.
“Furloughs resulting from this action are expected to be temporary,” Lewis’ letter continues, “but the length of the furlough is undetermined at this time.”
In an emailed statement Wednesday afternoon, Lewis added that if there’s a “federal resolution to the shutdown” before Jan. 1, the furloughs will be canceled.
The news of the furloughs come as the government shutdown enters its 36th day, making it the longest in U.S. history.
Some Democratic leaders were hopeful Tuesday’s nationwide election results that favored President Donald Trump’s rivals would galvanize a compromise, AP reported, but there’s still no end in sight as the shutdown continues to jeopardize food aid and other programs in Fresno and beyond.
What services does the Fresno EOC offer?
The poverty-fighting nonprofit, which first opened its doors in 1965, administers dozens of programs helping over 100,000 Fresno County residents with anything from food assistance for seniors to transitional housing for youth.
The Fresno EOC also operates dozens of Head Start locations in the county, several of which will see teachers, caregivers and other positions furloughed, according to the Oct. 31 letter.
The Fresno EOC’s Head Start director just told media outlets this week that the organization’s 30 Head Start centers in Fresno County would continue normal operations.
In his statement Wednesday, Lewis said all Fresno EOC programs are currently running business as usual.
“At this time, all Fresno EOC programs, including Head Start 0 to 5, WIC, food services, and other essential programs, remain fully operational,” he said. “Our priority is to ensure that families are supported and experience no disruption in services.”
These furloughs come after the Fresno EOC already reduced its staff earlier this year. The organization let go 20 employees in March due to “budget constraints” with its program assisting low-income residents with utility bills, ABC30 reported.
The nonprofit was also facing down a $4.2 million budget deficit earlier this year amid a shakeup to its executive leadership.
It’s unclear what percentage of the Fresno EOC’s staff the impending January furloughs represent. The organization’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan says it employs over 1,000 full-time and part-time workers.
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