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SNAP benefits aren't the only form of federal aid disrupted by the government shutdown. Heating assistance for eligible households is at a standstill, and a Minnesota coalition hopes the state steps in until the impact subsidies.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, distributes federal dollars to states so they can sign up energy-burdened residents for utility bill relief and furnace repairs. Minnesota's program recently announced this winter's lump sum is delayed because of the budget impasse, but is still accepting applications. Eighteen Minnesota-based organizations, including CURE, want the state to adopt short-term fixes.

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Maggie Schuppert, CURE's director of strategic initiatives, said the timing is critical.

"People are having issues paying for their energy costs generally," she said, "and that is being exacerbated by rising energy prices and electricity prices and natural gas prices."

In a letter to Governor Tim Walz, the groups requested a mandate that all Minnesota-serving utilities halt shutoffs until LIHEAP funding resumes. Some have done so voluntarily. The state also is asked to donate $3 million to a needs-based fund for residents primarily relying on delivered propane, fuel oil or wood for heating.

When announcing emergency food aid last month, the Walz administration noted the state can't close every shutdown-created gap, a factor the coalition acknowledges.

Minnesota does have a cold-weather rule to block utility shutoffs for people who fall behind on their monthly heating bill, so long as they've secured a revised payment plan and are making good on it.

Schuppert echoed thoughts that it isn't a complete guarantee in certain situations.

"If you're not receiving a paycheck because you're a federal employee," she said, "then, yeah, the cold weather rule – while a good thing – has real limitations."

She also warned that whenever the federal government reopens, it could take a while for LIHEAP funds to get flowing again. As for the donation request, CURE said the fund it would help, Reach Out for Warmth, is an important layer of protection for rural and tribal communities.