New year, same problems at Elkhart's WorkOne office

by John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

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Elkhart County WorkOne office

The parking lot was packed at the Elkhart WorkOne office on Monday, January 5, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jan 5, 2009 at 6:15 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 9, 2009 at 12:08 AM EST

ELKHART — When new unemployment numbers are released Tuesday, there's fear the numbers will grow. WorkOne offices are already busy. There's fear an increase will only add to the frustrations of thousands looking for work and benefits.

The parking lot space was tight, but Barry Sauer managed to squeeze his truck in between the two spaces. Sauer beat out others for that space.

His reward is a place in another line — inside Elkhart's WorkOne office.

However, hundreds of people, like Mario Ruvalcaba, are already ahead of him.

"It's going on a month now, I haven't received anything," said Ruvalcaba. "I'm going in to see what's the issue. My bills just keep on piling up.

It's a new year, but the problems are the same — no jobs and scarce benefits.

"We don't want to be here, but we have to be here," said Randi Melling. "That's all we want ... is answers and money."

There were also long lines both inside the WorkOne office and outside.

"People were here around probably six in the morning until seven," said Alfredo Nieves.

"A friend of mine parked across the street," said Melling. "He got a ticket for parking there; there is no place to park here."

There's fear the problem will continue to grow, keeping both the WorkOne office busy as well as officials from the state.

"They work very, very hard, they really do," said Karen Silk, an unemployed worker checking on benefits. "They're good people and it's not their faults the system is the way it is."

Indiana is currently looking for solutions to fix its bankrupt unemployment fund, borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars from the U.S government to cover benefits.

Officials with the Elkhart Chamber say while it works to attract new companies, the rising unemployment hasn't gone unnoticed.

"As much as we're trying to tell the good news — this is a great community you need to move here — you don't want to gloss over the fact that people are suffering," said Kyle Hannon, Vice President of Media Relations. "We don't; it's a real thing."

Media personnel from WorkOne did not return our calls for an interview prior to our deadline.

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