Unemployment Benefits Expire For Some; Help Still Available

COLUMBUS, Ohio —Unemployment benefits are running out for thousands of Ohioans.

With federal stimulus funds, unemployment benefits stretched to 79 weeks, but for nearly 9,000 Ohioans, that money ran out Monday.

By the end of 2009, more than 1.5 million Americans will find themselves without unemployment benefits.

Those without benefits can consider their area food pantry to fill their cabinets and refrigerator.

Organizations like the Mid-Ohio Foodbank service 535 charities in 20 counties.

“We are gong to continue to raise awareness about the issue—that this is not going to go away. Even though when the economy turns, it is not turning for those right now that are losing those kinds of benefits,“ said Matt Habash, president of Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

Food pantries offer a wide range of necessities, such as produce, personal care items and boxed and canned foods.

To pay utility bills, the Home Energy Assistance Program or HEAP can help.

For costs like prescription medicines, there is a program called Partnership for Prescription Assistance that offers free to low-cost medication through hundreds of public and private patient assistance programs.

Those in need can also find a free health care clinic in case an appointment is needed.

For everyday items like clothing, household furnishings and housing, consider calling the Salvation Army.

Captain Mike Laro said they field 200 calls daily for help.

“We have a food pantry here. We are doing help assistance with gas bills and Christmas is coming,“ Laro said.

If the Salvation Army can’t help, they can point you in the right direction.

There is discussion in Washington about extending unemployment benefits further, but approving stimulus money to do so may take time and may not pass.

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