As the federal government shutdown continues to disrupt paychecks for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and their families, Trident United Way is mobilizing its Thrive@Work program to bring support directly to TSA workers at Charleston International Airport (CHS).
More than 200 TSA employees at CHS have already experienced partial or missed paychecks and are now facing continued uncertainty in their pay, leaving many workers without the income they rely on to make ends meet.
As financial strain increases, many employees are struggling to cover basic needs such as housing, food and transportation. For some, the shutdown is stretching already tight budgets, leaving them unable to afford gas to get to work. While community resources exist, many forms of assistance are experiencing delays due to high demand.
Through Thrive@Work, Trident United Way is bringing financial coaching, connections to community resources and short-term financial assistance directly to TSA employees — meeting them where they are before challenges become crises. Employees can also connect with a Family Coach for ongoing support before the short-term crisis does long-term damage.
As part of this response, Trident United Way has partnered with Self-Help Federal Credit Union to provide access to 0% emergency loans for impacted TSA employees. These loans are available regardless of credit union membership status, with Trident United Way covering the 3.5% interest typically required for nonmembers, removing a key barrier between workers and the relief they need.
TSA employees at Charleston International Airport who need assistance can complete an intake form at tuw.org/thrive-work-tsa or visit Trident United Way’s North Charleston Center for Strong Families at 6296 Rivers Ave, Suite 104, North Charleston, SC 29406.
"These are the workers who keep our region moving," said DJ Hampton, president and CEO of Trident United Way. “We rely on them every day, and in moments like this, it matters that they know they can rely on us."
For hardworking families across the Tri-County, even a temporary disruption in income can create real financial strain, making a timely response critical.
"For TSA employees, this is more than a missed paycheck," Hampton added. "It is the stress of keeping a household running while still showing up every day. That is why speed and access matter. When people are working without pay, they cannot afford to wait weeks or months for support. This is a moment that calls for action, and for meeting people where they are, with real support they can access right away.”
Trident United Way continues to serve as a connector and convener, ensuring support is available when it is needed most.