As the federal government shutdown enters its 30th day with no end in sight, a Sacramento family said the loss of a paycheck has pushed them to the brink.“When is our suffering going to be enough? What is it going to take? People are out here trying to advocate for their families. I’m trying to advocate for my family,” said Marissa Blevins.Cameron Blevins, a civilian employee at Travis Air Force Base, said he has been furloughed and hasn’t received a paycheck in a month. “It’s causing stress with not only myself, but the family as well,” Cameron said. “It’s put a toll on our relationship.”The Navy veteran said his only current income is a housing stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which he said is not enough to support his family of six. “Pinch pennies, you can say — what groceries are we buying, or is it going to go to my wife’s car for gas — and make sure the kids have what they need,” said Cameron.Marissa told KCRA 3 that the couple is trying to shield their children from the uncertainty. “We’re trying to make life as normal as possible right now. They just think Dad’s on vacation. They don’t know that Dad hasn’t received a paycheck,” she said, adding the family may soon need to visit a food bank. “You don’t want your kids to see that you’re having to ask for help.”It’s stories from families like the Blevins that have many local businesses stepping in to help those affected by the shutdown. Susan Stewart, owner of Strapping, a gift shop in Sacramento’s Oak Park, said the store is accepting donations to build a food pantry. “When our governments turn their back on us, the best thing you can do is build community,” Stewart said. “We can’t live in a country that’s this wealthy and have people starving. It’s just not OK at all.”The store has seen numerous people come in since it started the food pantry this week. Stewart says they’re accepting donations, and you can contact them by clicking here. While some businesses are helping families, for now, the Blevins say they are relying on faith and exploring options to get by until paychecks resume. “Even through hard times, there’s still hope,” Marissa said. “There’s still our faith that we can count on.”Need assistance? Here are resources for food banks in Northern California.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

As the federal government shutdown enters its 30th day with no end in sight, a Sacramento family said the loss of a paycheck has pushed them to the brink.

“When is our suffering going to be enough? What is it going to take? People are out here trying to advocate for their families. I’m trying to advocate for my family,” said Marissa Blevins.

Cameron Blevins, a civilian employee at Travis Air Force Base, said he has been furloughed and hasn’t received a paycheck in a month.

“It’s causing stress with not only myself, but the family as well,” Cameron said. “It’s put a toll on our relationship.”

The Navy veteran said his only current income is a housing stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which he said is not enough to support his family of six.

“Pinch pennies, you can say — what groceries are we buying, or is it going to go to my wife’s car for gas — and make sure the kids have what they need,” said Cameron.

Marissa told KCRA 3 that the couple is trying to shield their children from the uncertainty.

“We’re trying to make life as normal as possible right now. They just think Dad’s on vacation. They don’t know that Dad hasn’t received a paycheck,” she said, adding the family may soon need to visit a food bank. “You don’t want your kids to see that you’re having to ask for help.”

It’s stories from families like the Blevins that have many local businesses stepping in to help those affected by the shutdown.

Susan Stewart, owner of Strapping, a gift shop in Sacramento’s Oak Park, said the store is accepting donations to build a food pantry.

“When our governments turn their back on us, the best thing you can do is build community,” Stewart said. “We can’t live in a country that’s this wealthy and have people starving. It’s just not OK at all.”

The store has seen numerous people come in since it started the food pantry this week. Stewart says they’re accepting donations, and you can contact them by clicking here.

While some businesses are helping families, for now, the Blevins say they are relying on faith and exploring options to get by until paychecks resume.

“Even through hard times, there’s still hope,” Marissa said. “There’s still our faith that we can count on.”

Need assistance? Here are resources for food banks in Northern California.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel