Help is available for your job hunt and everyday needs

By State Senator Gilda Z. Jacobs
Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Although Michigan has seen a number of new businesses and industries bring new jobs to our state this year, there are still many more workers than jobs. Unemployed, or underemployed, workers and their families still need our help. Many state and local agencies are facing tight budgets, but there is still help available through the agencies and programs listed below.

Helping the Hardest-Hit Homeowners - www.michigan.gov/hardesthit

This plan uses $154 million in re-allocated federal Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) dollars for mortgage assistance for workers currently receiving unemployment assistance, for certain families who have fallen behind on their mortgages because of certain difficulties such as a medical emergency, and for homeowners who can no longer afford their mortgage payments as a result of reduced income.

Applicants should contact their loan service provider to see if they are participating and apply through their provider. Lists of participating mortgage service providers are available on the Hardest Hit website and are updated daily.

The Oakland County Department of Human Services can help with many needs including medical needs, utility assistance, and food assistance. The office is located at 1685 Baldwin Road, Pontiac, 1-248-975-5400.

The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency can help with everyday needs and job referrals. This office is located at 345 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 1-248-542-5860.

The United Way of Southeastern Michigan runs the 211 Help Line linking people to local and state programs. 211 makes referrals to agencies that help with job training, rent, mortgage payments, and the cost of food or prescriptions. Simply dial 211 just as you would dial 911 for emergency services.

You may have heard that the state’s No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) program is cutting back due to funding cuts. The program will continue to serve anyone currently enrolled or on a wait list as of June 28.

Local Michigan Works! Agencies will notify their communities when funds are available for new enrollees. The No Worker Left Behind Office at Oakland County Michigan Works! can be reached at 1-248-858-5520.

In the meantime, DELEG officials are initiating efforts to expand the number of workers who qualify for Pell Grants, and seeking additional funding through a variety of sources for the NWLB program.

The Ferndale Career Center at 713 East Nine Mile Road (1-248-545-0222) offers job resources and training opportunities to young people and adults.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency can take your claim by phone or online. To file your claim by phone call 1-866-500-0017. To inquire about your claim call 1-866-500-0017, press 3. For answers to general questions about benefits and to print forms visit www.michigan.gov/uia.

The Michigan Talent Bank (1-888-253-6855) lists job openings monthly and allows people to post their resume. Visit the website at https://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage. You can also search for jobs at http://www.michigan.gov/jobs.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), at 2727 Second Ave., Suite 120, Detroit, 1-313-967-9295, provides counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures, new start-up businesses, and existing small businesses.

Veterans, people transitioning from welfare to work, and people needing specialized job placement programs can visit the Career Education and Workforce Programs (DELEG) website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd/0,1607,7-122-1679---,00.html.

I hope that readers find this information helpful. Asking for help can be hard, but there is help available so please do not be afraid to ask.

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Senator Gilda Jacobs represents the 14th Senate District. She can be reached toll-free in Lansing at 1-888-937-4453. Visit her website at http://www.senate.mi.gov/jacobs/.