MISHAWAKA -- Rising unemployment rates, are forcing more people to file for benefits. It's creating long lines and whole lot of frustration at places like WorkOne. But one local college is stepping up to help out.

Douglas Swihart admits he's not very good with computers.

"Because sometimes I can't push the right key. I get things spelled wrong," said Swihart.

But he's been getting a lot of practice lately. Swihart was laid off from a local RV company in November. And getting his benefits hasn't been easy.

"You go over to WorkOne and you'd stand in line with 200 people in front of you and that many in back of you, waiting to get in. And then they took you one by one," said Swihart.

The problem is only getting worse. New numbers show Elkhart County's unemployment rate jumped to 18-point-three percent, the highest in the state. The news has one local college taking action.

"You know, at a time like this we just need to stop and think creatively, how can we help," said Conference Services Director, Lisa Greco.

The main computer lab at Bethel College usually sits empty on a Sunday afternoon, but that's all about to change. The college is putting its 70 computers to use, allowing unemployed workers to file their benefits.

And if they have any questions, some 30 volunteers, trained through WorkOne are there to help.

"I'm glad that I'm in a position with an organization that cares about the community and was very willing to take this idea and run with it," said Greco.

To give people like Swihart a bit of relief during such a difficult time.

"I'm tickled that I can draw unemployment as far as that goes. It's better than nothing," said Swihart.

The main computer lab is located in the lower level of the Miller-Moore Academic Center. It will be open every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

For information, contact Bethel College at 574-807-7618 or visit www.gotoworkone.com.