Churches look to step up as government services dwindle under Trump

Where the federal government is pulling back, churches are looking to step up.

Amid the Trump administration's funding cuts and the ongoing government shutdown, houses of worship have felt a responsibility to step up services for students, immigrants and others who are struggling. From increases in anti-hunger initiatives to programs for federal workers who have been furloughed, religious leaders say all their efforts and more are deeply needed right now.

“We have run a series of free workshops on headshots, resumes and LinkedIn profiles really helping federal workers,” said Rev. Meredith Lovell Keseley, senior pastor at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Burke, Va.

“We have found that it is essential the church step into the space with federal workers to, first and foremost, affirm th