County officials warn federal shutdown could disrupt housing, food and health services

Lede Los Angeles County officials told the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 7 that a partial federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1 is already complicating reviews, grant drawdowns and federal payments and could force the county to draw on limited reserves for housing subsidies and other safety‑net programs if it lasts beyond October and into December.

Nut graf County leaders and department directors said some federally funded programs — including the Section 8 housing subsidy, CalFresh and CalWORKs food and cash aid, and certain hospital reimbursements — have funding assured only for a limited period and that a prolonged lapse would create cash‑flow problems, delayed grants and service interruptions. The county and departments urged residents and partner agencies to prepare for a range of scenarios and said they are working with state and federal counterparts to limit harm.

Body Chief Executive Officer Fezia opened the board’s regular budget briefing by calling the partial shutdown “unusual” in its scope and uncertain in its duration, and said county offices and departments are…