With paychecks for federal workers in Bloomington-Normal still lagging, the Central Illinois Regional Airport has opened a food pantry and support center.
Airport spokesperson Fran Strebing says it's in the former CJ's Restaurant space in the old terminal building.
"We were able to work with Eastview Christian Church and the Salvation Army. Connect Transit came in with some bus passes, and also Chestnut Health Systems for anyone who might need various types of counseling at this time, whether it's mental health services, whether it's financial counseling, access to healthcare if that was an issue," said Strebing.
Strebing said even though the government has reopened, there is still a need.
"We're not quite sure when they will be reimbursed. That's still kind of a fluid situation. So, they're trying to get caught up and we are trying to make sure there are things in place for them until everything comes together. We were very fortunate that the community has responded," said Strebing.
She also said area leaders want to reassess the prospects for another shutdown before closing the support center.
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