Federal funds for job training bringing hope to Berrien County

By Darla Hernandez (darlah@wsbt.com)

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Approximately $381,000 in federal stimulus funding is headed to Benton Harbor for job training. That's bringing hope to a state that leads the nation in unemployment. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 13, 2009 at 3:04 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 15, 2009 at 4:57 PM EST

BENTON HARBOR — The spending bill that President Obama signed into law earlier this week will help thousands of people in Michigan who are unemployed and need more training.

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Michigan leads the nation in unemployment, and many people feel this money can't come soon enough.

These days all you need to do is look around at the empty buildings and businesses to know Benton Harbor is going through tough times.

"Very difficult,” said Justin Gulbrahnson. “I had to go down to South Bend. I went down there and filled out some applications because I can't find anything around here. I mean you try to find a job here — the second it gets posted it’s gone.”

Gulbrahnson has been out of work since November. He hits Michigan Works almost every week looking for a job.

"It gets tough,” he said. “I'm living with my mom and my grandma.”

On Friday Congressman Fred Upton announced $381,000 in funding from President Obama's spending package is headed to Benton Harbor for job training.

"It means long term economic activity, whether it be Harbor Shores, whether it be fixing up the Main Street Benton Harbor, doing a whole number of things,” Upton explained. “We are only as strong as our weakest community."

The money will provide basic skills training, computer skills training and literacy programs, and re-training for new careers in the area like the Harbor Shores project.

Congressman Upton says this money will help train local workers for upcoming jobs in the $500 million Harbor Shores development.

"This project in Benton Harbor, when it's all said and done, will double the tax base for the city,” Upton added. “So that's going to help the infrastructure; that’s going to help the schools.”

For Gulbrahnson, just hearing help is on its way is a sign of hope.

“I'd imagine a lot of people would take the opportunity to take some new training, I think that would be a great idea,” he said. “Help is hard to find these days."

Congressman Upton says the funds will arrive within days and will be spent throughout the summer.

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