Coast Guard families cutting costs during partial government shutdown

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – Coast Guard families across the country and locally are cutting costs to make ends meet. 

On the 27^th day of the shutdown families are beginning to feel the pinch from missing their first paycheck due to the shutdown. 

“Pay has not come through and all of the prepping we were doing mentally and kind of budget wise etc. is not in full effect,” Coast Guard spouse Valerie Gehrke said. 

There are more than 42,000 active duty Coast Guard families nationally and approximately 30 Coast Guard families in St. Joseph, Michigan. 

“Whatever we can do to try and keep things very strict of every dollar spent, where it’s going and being very proactive hen the bills are coming do,” Gehrke said. 

Gehrke says the whole community has been great during these uncertain times. 

“Just a huge thank you to the local community from little small businesses that struggle enough already and just how appreciative I am.  

Anyone looking to donate to the coast guard during this time can do so through the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.