ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A government shutdown could soon halt vital services for seniors across South Georgia, leaving thousands without daily meals or wellness checks.

Within the past few days, seniors in Albany began receiving letters from the SOWEGA Council on Aging, warning that programs could stop if the government doesn’t reopen soon.

“Between the week of November 1st to November 7th, there’s a very strong possibility that our clients will stop receiving our services — and that’s all of our services,” said Izzie Sadler, executive director of the SOWEGA Council on Aging.

The organization provides Meals on Wheels and other essential support funded through federal community service grants. Without that funding, staff will be unable to deliver food or perform wellness visits across South Georgia.

“We have frail, homebound seniors who depend on a daily warm meal,” Sadler said. “Without that meal, they may not eat that day — or have any social interaction, since those visits also serve as daily check-ins.”

For Albany senior Betty Jenkins, the news hits close to home. “They’re waiting for someone to come… and no one’s coming — because they’re not there,” Jenkins said. “This hurts people like myself. There are a lot of folks 80 and below — and 80 and above — and we’re trying to figure out what we’re going to do.”

“We’re trying to protect the American people, the services to which they are entitled, to which they have enjoy and to allow them to continue that as opposed to having them cut and slashed.” Congressman Sanford Bishop said.

Congressman Sanford Bishop says the shutdown could also impact healthcare access for rural residents.

“Insurance premium notices go out November 1st,” Bishop said. “If we lose those tax credits, premiums could double, triple, or even quadruple — making coverage unaffordable. Many will lose their healthcare, and some may die.”

The SOWEGA Council on Aging says it will continue operating for as long as possible, but services may shut down as early as next week if the government remains closed.

Sadler is urging residents to contact their representatives to advocate for seniors and the continuation of essential food and healthcare programs.

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