Help may be on the way for Elkhart's unemployed

by Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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Labor statistics show the jobless rate in Elkhart has increased more than any other metropolitan area in the country. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Dec 22, 2008 at 7:56 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 24, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

ELKHART — Congressman Joe Donnelly asked Barack Obama to send economic stimulus money to communities hardest-hit by the recession; including Elkhart.

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New numbers show the unemployment rate there is now 12.4 percent; triple what it was a year ago.

12.4 percent is the unemployment rate for Elkhart County. In the city of Elkhart, it's actually up to 14-percent.

Those are the numbers. Here's a look the faces.

It’s three days before Christmas, and the parking lot is packed, but this isn't a shopping center.

"I haven’t been able to buy my family nothing yet," said Robert Leedy, who is out of work.

This is Elkhart's unemployment office, and the wait inside is very long.

"Anywhere from three and a half to four hours standing in line," said David Bird, also out of work.

Bird, of Elkhart, is one of thousands laid off from the RV industry. It's the first time in his life he's been out of work.

"I’ve lost my home already, and I'm trying not to lose my truck,” said Bird. “Hopefully the finance company will keep working with me."

Leedy was also in line today. The husband and father of three from Millersburg has been out of work since July.

"Nobody wants to hire,” said Leedy. “Most of the excuse is ‘Well, you're over 40.’ It's just impossible. There’s nothing. I mean, scraping for pop cans, anything I can find on the side of the road. We did that for a while. That wasn't enough."

Elkhart County's unemployment rate is now at its highest in decades — 12.4 percent. The state average: 7.1 percent. Nationally, it's 6.7.

Monday, in a letter to President-elect Barack Obama, 2nd district Congressman Joe Donnelly asked for federal economic stimulus money to help communities like Elkhart — hardest hit by the recession, saying "They deserve a swift and effective response from Washington."

Back at the unemployment office, the hundreds of people in line will tell you talk is cheap. They're waiting on action — the best Christmas present anyone here can hope for.

"All I can do is wait — go through the system,” said Bird.

So far, the state has already made more than $3 million in retraining grants available for workers displaced by layoffs and closings in the RV industry.

Tomorrow afternoon, Governor Mitch Daniels will pay a visit to the Elkhart unemployment office. He's scheduled to arrive at 2.

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