Today is day 27 of the government shutdown, and we are now to the point where agents for the nation’s premier law enforcement agency are setting up a food bank in New York to feed their families.

Times are getting tough for TSA workers too. Savings are shrinking and many are wondering if it’s time to look for another job. CNBC reports, “The officers aren’t going to work because they’re looking for other work, said David Borer, general counsel of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents the TSA screeners.”

On LinkedIn there was a noticeable “spike in conversations on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing shortages.“ Here are some comments from TSA workers on LinkedIn:

Sonya Lately, Screener at TSA

I work for TSA and the fear is real. I’ve only missed 1 check, however my mortgage was due with this paycheck. The mortgage company is trying to work with me and I was able to pay my other bills, however out of fear I have applied to the post office and will be seeking other employment opportunities. I think it is wrong and inhumane to make us work without pay! It is very stressful living in turmoil like this! Trump does not care how this affects us as long as he gets what he wants. Never have I seen such caos with any other president! He is selfish, egotistical,and has no decorum!

Femi Akinkugbe, TSA security guard and Army veteran 

How the shutdown affected me as a TSA employee? First of all, I have to call my creditors that I wouldn’t be able to pay my debt due to no pay check. Then, my fellow coworkers started calling out which means long lines at the airport. This makes our jobs harder and passengers are frustrated with the long wait times. It’s going to get worse. With super bowl approaching, I predict a disaster if something is not done. Some of my coworkers are applying for food stamps and unemployment to survive.

George Small, Transportation Security Officer 

It has been stressful but I’m amazed at the generosity of people in our Salt Lake City Airport community. Delta airlines has given us some food in our break rooms so we don’t have to pay for lunches. The call outs are affecting the morale of the team, but many, including myself, put extra time so that the airport is still safe. How I look at it is that I made an oath to my country to defend and protect the Constitution and the traveling pubic so no matter the cost I will fullfill my duty. I ask that people be kind and sensitive during this time.

Bridget Hockless, Transportation Security Officer

The shutdown doesn’t impact my performance of my job but it does make me more aware of people. I think the shutdown has made us seem vulnerable and others may want to take advantage of the situation. As far as at home, it is stressful to say the least; the mortgage company will forgo payment but will add interest, same with my student loan. Whenever, we get paid I will have to do catch-up on bills and pay a lot of interest. This not fair to us.

Kim Bruce Security, Officer at Transportation Security Administration  

Before the shutdown I was on medical leave for third-degree burns on my foot and was in the hospital. I applied for a promotion before I got burned and was interviewed while I was in the hospital. I found out when I returned to work that I was offered the position and must report to this new airport 1400 miles away from home. I accepted the position and was to report by Jan 6, 2019. I packed and then the shutdown came. I was furloughed my week of traveling and then when I arrived here- my car broke down and my pipes froze in my camper that I’m living in. I have been here one week and I have less than a hundred dollars because of expenses to move- I’m scared- I’m going thru a divorce and no family members or friends here- all I keep doing is praying the government reopens. I am 50 and should not have to worry about how or where I will be living.