BEAUMONT, Texas — Christina Velez says the past month has felt surreal for her family.
As a wife of a Coast Guard member, she's felt the effects of the government shut down first hand.
" You don't realize you're going through it until it's like, you miss one paycheck. We were almost going to miss a second paycheck, and then you're like this is real," said Velez.
They found themselves having to come up with a back-up plan.
Their next step was digging into their savings, but through it all, they remained positive.
" You don't realize you're going through it until it's like, you miss one paycheck. We were almost going to miss a second paycheck, and then you're like this is real."
The community is coming together to ease some of those worries.
The Beaumont Fire Department set up a fundraiser for Coast Guard families.
"These people were kind of caught in the middle of a bad situation and if I were in that situation or we were in that situation. It would be greatly appreciated to have the help."
A barbecue in their honor.
All proceeds are going to the families in need.
" This is what brings the nation together. Anytime we have a national crisis; it just shows how great of a nation we actually are."
Christina agrees.
" It's so humbling to know that the community is behind us and that they support us."
She says it feels good to know her community has her back.
