ROCKVILLE, MD — As the partial government shutdown drags into its fourth week — now the longest in U.S. history — Montgomery County officials and community partners are offering resources and financial assistance to impacted residents.

"We are committed to supporting our community members affected by the ongoing partial government shutdown," said Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Jack Smith. "From our previously established Dine with Dignity meal program to our upcoming employment open houses, we hope to provide continued support and to be a valuable resource to the furloughed families in our county."

Montgomery County, given its proximity to the nation's capital and other government facilities, is home to thousands of federal employees. Nationwide, about 800,000 federal workers haven't been paid since the government shut down on Dec. 22.

"It is abhorrent and unconscionable that 800,000 federal government employees and all of the contractors and business owners that rely on the federal government are being held hostage over the president's demands to build a $5.7 billion wall along the U.S.-Mexico border," Council President Nancy Navarro said. "Montgomery County remains open for business and we join with Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and our nonprofit partners to support our residents."

SEE ALSO: Government Shutdown Freebies, Deals For Federal Workers In DMV

Below is a list of community partners that are helping affected federal employees in Montgomery County, according to a press release: Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)

Montgomery County Public Schools will be holding two employment open house for furloughed federal employees and contractors in January. Those interested can interview and apply for open positions in the school system, including teachers, substitute teachers, clerical staff, and bus drivers. Federal workers should bring their resume and government ID to the open houses. They will take place on:

Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 45 W. Gude Dr., Rockville

Friday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 850 Hungerford Dr., Rockville The school system is also providing meals for affected students through its Dine with Dignity Program. The program, which was launched in November of 2018, enables students with negative account balances to eat breakfast and lunch for free. Click here for more information.

Montgomery College (MC)

"Keeping students enrolled in Montgomery College whose finances might have been impacted by the shutdown is a high priority," said Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard. "We will also continue to support students through our mobile food markets, food pantries, financial aid counseling and emergency funding through the Montgomery College Foundation. Nothing should stand in the way of a college degree."