The government shutdown has entered its 26th day, and since Friday, 800,000 federal employees are living without an income. For those located in Central Ohio, and beyond, there are businesses offering some relief. Below is a list of known deals and offers from local and national companies. Let us know if we missed any!
“A Night On Us” from Airbnb
Any federal executive branch employee located in Ohio (and nationwide), who hosts either an Experience or three nights in their home will get up to $110 extra, the average per night income of U.S. hosts. This offer is good from Dec. 18, 2018 to March 18, 2019.
“Experiences,” as described by the Airbnb website, are activities designed and led by locals. “They go beyond typical tours or classes by immersing guests in each host’s unique world. It’s an opportunity for anyone to share their hobbies, skills, or expertise without needing an extra room.”
Interested federal employees can sign up here. Learn more here.
Free Tacos from Condado
As of Wednesday, Jan. 16, Condado Tacos will offer a free taco to furloughed federal employees who show their government ID. The offer is available at all 10 locations through Jan. 23. No purchase is necessary.
For more information, visit condadotacos.com.
Financial Relief from Huntington Bank
Beginning on Jan. 7 and available for 30 days (or until the shutdown ends), Huntington Bank is offering a low rate, quick loan program for current customers who are federal employees.
The bank will also waive all overdraft-related fees on existing checking accounts of current government employees affected by the shutdown. Refunds on overdraft fees that have already been applied will be backdated to Dec. 23 and will last until the shutdown ends.
For more information, visit huntington.com.
Haircuts at Salon Schools Group
For the duration of the government shutdown, federal employees with a government ID can receive free hair services at any Ohio State School of Cosmetology location in Columbus, Heath, Marion, or Canal Winchester.
Free Meals from The Crest Gastropub
As of Wednesday, Jan. 16, The Crest is offering free lunch at their Clintonville location and free dinner at their Parsons location for federal workers affected by the government shutdown. Alcohol is not included, and some menu exclusions may apply. Those interested can present their government ID at either location.
The Crest Clintonville is located at 2855 Indianola Ave.
The Crest on the South Side is located at 621 Parsons Ave.
For more information, visit thecrestgastropub.com.
Dinner on The Market Italian Village
Federal employees with a government ID can stop by The Market in Italian Village for a free dinner. It doesn’t include alcohol, and there may be some menu exclusions, according to their Facebook page. The deal is available until the shutdown ends.
For more information, visit themarketiv.com.
Free Visit to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
From now until the end of the shutdown, current federal employees can flash a badge or government ID and get free admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with their immediate family members. Standard parking fees ($10 per vehicle; free for Zoo members) will apply.
For more information, visit columbuszoo.org.
Cup of Coffee From Stauf’s
Stauf’s is offering a free cup of coffee to all furloughed Federal employees during this time to thank and show appreciation for them. They ask you show your I.D. and a cup of coffee of the day is yours. Bring your kids and Stauf’s will give them a hot cocoa.
For more information, visit staufs.com.
Gateway Film Center
Starting Sunday, January 20, 2019 — until the shutdown ends — federal employees will be admitted to any movie of their choice, at no charge.
For more information, visit gatewayfilmcenter.org.