More people asking for help in troubled economy

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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More people seeking help in troubled economy

Justin and Miki went to the Concord Township Relief Office to get help with their utility bills for the first time on Monday, June 2, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jun 2, 2008 at 3:59 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 4, 2008 at 11:09 PM EST

ELKHART — The struggling economy is forcing many people to do something they've never done before — ask for help. At least one of the township trustee offices in Elkhart County has seen a 40 percent increase in first-time clients.

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Justin and Miki made their first trip ever to the Concord Township Relief Office on Monday.

He recently lost his job, and even though his wife is still working, their bills are piling up.

"We've been having trouble with keeping our mortgage on top of things,” said Justin. “We came here to see if we can get some assistance with our energy bills and keeping them from getting turned off.”

Miki's job involves driving, and she usually pays for most of the gas.

"It’s really hard when you have to pick and choose whether you're going to pay your electric bill or whether you're going to get diapers and groceries and what that money is going to go toward,” Miki told WSBT News.

Workers in the trustee’s office are seeing more people in the same situation.

“There was a 43 percent increase in the number of folks than we've seen in the past,” said Concord Township Trustee Debra Stoffer. “And that was all new clients. So that's people that have never had to ask for assistance before."

As you might expect the increase in the number of first-time clients is cutting into the available services and programs that are provided.

"We've seen a lot of increased need with rent, utility and prescription assistance, and it’s put a strain on us, even as a government agency,” Stoffer explained. “And the more strain that the trustees office has, that's a trickle down effect on places like Salvation Army and Church Community Services."

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