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Unemployment, even temporary, is probably one of the most difficult experiences to endure. Losing your job is traumatic, especially if it affects your entire family’s income. Knowing where to turn and taking control of your situation can reduce the impact on you and your family.

When you lose your job, the key is don't panic. Talk to your family about the situation. Your spouse and children can feel helpless. Getting your family involved in planning what to do next will help to give each member of the family some positive steps they can take to help.

WHO TO CALL

If it’s a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.

If you belong to an employee union, your group may offer benefits for people who are laid off. Contact your union representative to look at what programs you may qualify for.

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that helps connect people in need with the community resources available to help meet those needs. This helpline can assist you and your family through tough times to locate health and human services in the greater Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington region, dial 2-1-1. The helpline is available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. For more information about 211, visit www.211info.org. If 2-1-1 does not yet work from your phone, the phone lines below will access 211 services Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm:

• Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties 503-222-5555
• Clark County 1-877-501-0252

2-1-1 helps callers with the following services:

• Rent/Utility assistance
• Food boxes
• Low-cost housing
• Health clinics
• Foreclosure prevention
• Job training programs

STAY IN CONTROL

Remember, your financial affairs are still in your control. Here are some suggestions about how you can take charge:

• • Prepare a household budget
  • List assets and set priorities
  • Evaluate the ways your family uses money.
  • Do you qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit? United Way has partnered with several agencies to provide free tax prep help for people who need it.
  • Make a list of creditors, and let each one know that youlost your job.
  • Stop buying things with credit.
  • Pay what you can, and stay in touch with creditors.
  • Find ways you can save money and cut corners.

STAY BUSY

If you're temporarily out of work, keep yourself occupied. This is a good time to do all the things you've been putting off: fix the faucets, clean out the garage, visit friends and relatives, or take a community class.

Check your local newspaper for free activities and volunteer opportunities. Start building your network. Remember: your friends and family members are connected to other people who may be able to help. Volunteering is an excellent way to stay connected with the community, and meet people who may be able to provide job leads.

Haven't been able to find work since going out due to my high risk pregnancy. Baby joined me on Sep 9, is a little over a month old now! It has been so hard learning to care for him. I've officially been out of work since Aug 25th and the bills are starting to pile up. we have done everything we can, to at the very least, keep the rent and lights paid. We are very greatful to have gotten a couple of cases of diapers from friends and family at our baby shower. But they are almost gone. I think we have 40 or so left, they might stretch another week, but I doubt it. We get wic and YES still have to buy at least 3 large cans of formula. We did try to breast and formula feed but it just didnt workout for us, so he is officially on only formula! He eats all the time! He is growing normally. We are very lucky to have such a healthy little guy.

My husband does work, however he has creditors taking 15 percent of his paycheck, every paycheck! And thats before taxs, health insurance, etc. So he brings home nearly nothing. We had to rent out the babies nursery just to make up the income my husband is losing. We just found out today he will be out of a job in 6 weeks because his store is going franchise! Which means NO INCOME, AND NO HEALTH INSURANCE! (My husband has asthma, it diabetic and has high blood pressure!) It just keeps getting better. If it isn't one thing, its another. We work hard, we do whats right, we try so hard to keep things together but it's just begining to fall completely apart. We have no one to help us, we are on our own here, we have no savings, no retirement, we have used all our resources, we are getting desperate. If anyone can help or point us in the right direction to get a little help with bills, formula, diapers, anything?!

I am a mom of 3, and lost my job in May due to medical reasons.  It was our main source of income, so it's been rough, needless to say! I am blessed, however, to have family to help us as they can. But they can only do so much. Right now I am fighting for Long Term  Disability, and my attorney says it may be June or July before I see anything! All we can do now is pray that things will work out. Everything happens for a reason...even the bad stuff!

Help Please, I am here asking for somebody to help me if you are financially Bless.

This message is for you.. I lost my job after 14years of service, I was receiving unemployment but it ran out in June and I am 3 months behind on my car payments. I dont want to lose my car.    

I need 1,800 to catch up and stop repo..   I tried to file chapter 13.   but I was told I need a job.

People are telling me to let it go but my Faith is Strong, I Know God hasent brought me this Far to leave me

I have been searching for jobs and also attending job Fairs no luck at all my back is up against the wall.    now all I can do is Pray and wait.

I know my Angel is out there......

Well, I am new to this!  My wife and I built our retirement/dream home in 2005.  Like many American's we didn't see the handwriting on the wall.  We built larger than we needed planning to care for our elderly parents, who both live in the area.  We did take care of my 98 year old grandmother here at our home for the last year of her life.

We were both employed and making good money for the area we live in.  My wife had been working for a large ministry for 18 years.  She worked out of the home doing copywrite work.  Labor day weekend, 2009, she recieved a call at 8:30 at night.  Effective immediatly you are unemployed!

We have used all the available savings we had to keep the house payments up.  Had to borrow from my parents for last months payment.  We have had the house up for sale, but the market is so bad.  We  signed 2 contracts in the last 3 month's.  Both fell thru due to financing issues on the part of the buyers. 

We just don't know what to do next.  I am looking for any ideas or ways to make the payments.  I know there are many out there who have similar stories.  I would like to find a way to pay off my home and then in turn pay off other people's homes in similar situations.  If a lot of people could send a small amount of money, these homes could all be payed off.  I know it sounds crazy, but there has to be a way to benefit many thru this type of arrangement.

Let me know what you think!

My name is Jackie and I have two children.  I need help and don't know where to turn.  My parents have passed away and I can't turn to my sisters.  I have a job that I am about to lose.  I was paying my car payment and my ex was paying the insurance.  He cancelled it without notifying me and my daughter (newly licensed driver) was in a car accident in my car.  The damage is $5,000.  I have depleted my savings and no longer have a way to get back and forth to work.  I am going to be sued for the accident.  There is no public transportation back and forth to my job.  I don't know what to do or where to turn.  I can't lose my job in this economy.  I can no longer put food on my table on a regular basis.  My bills and rent take up my entire paycheck.  I have not fallen behind on them yet but will if I lose my job.  If there is anyway someone can help me either fix my car or help find a way of transportation so I can keep my job, I would be eternally grateful.  I no longer sleep at night with worry.  Thank you for listening.

be right back

 Last year I was terminated from three jobs as a result I lost my apartment. My car broke down and I was unable to repair it so I allowed the dealer to take it back. I purchased van only to find out it would not pass safety inspection. Not having transporation is hindering my job search, and being able to be involved with my children's education.

Since the van was not able to pass safety inspection I returned it to the dealer and asked them to attempt to resale it for me.  I am attending a class for women who want to open there own business to try and better myself and secure an income for my family.

Since I last posted this I have completed the class. I worked something out with the dealer to get another car that ran for a short period of time and now the car needs a new head gasket. The car has not been in driveable condition since June.  I was able to borrow some money to get the car registered and license plates.

There is no public transporation in the area I live with.

I'm sure I'm just like most people here, at the end of my rope. We are a family of 4 living in Leander, Texas. I lost my job in November and my husbands hours were cut in February. We have depleted savings over the last few months and there is absolutely nothing left. We both lost our vehicles last month and are on the verge of loosing our home. Neither of us have family that we can turn to and due to the job loss and the cut backs credit card bills are falling father behind, so a loan is impossible. While I am still activly looking for employment, I do have a job offer that begins April 20th when the person retires. We have stopped paying for anything but necessities, our credit isn't as important as our survival. We were hoping savings would get us through, but we find our selves behind. My husbands pay is enough for necessities, but not enough to get us current. Once my pay kicks in the beginning of May we will be fine, so what I am looking for is assistance in getting us current. I have arrangements with our water and gas company, but rent and electricity are of utmost concern.  If there is anyone out there who can help, I will be forever grateful and will be happy to begin paying back the favor once my paychecks kick in come May.  I have never felt this worthless in my life. I see the light at the end, but I'm not sure we can survive the travel for just a little while longer. Our situation is as follows:

Rent past due $975.  Again, we can cover the next months rent, but simply do not have a way to make the past due.

Electricity $532

Thank you so much to anyone reading this. 

It is so easy for me to dwell on the negative things in my life. When I realize how blessed I am to be alive and in excellent health, then the negative things seem like they can be overcome. Take a good look at the posts on this website. So many stories, so many people hurting in so many ways. Then, go look in the mirror and tell yourself: "My problems are not that bad in relationship to the others!" Get on the Internet or get some books from the Library to learn how so many others in areas such as Africa, India, or Haiti deal with extreme poverty everyday.

Try to focus on solutions to your situation. If you are Christian, Jewish, or other type of religion; fellowship with others at a place of worship. Do you believe in prayer? Pray and ask others to pray with you! If you need help with overcomming an addiction, or other "life issue", get help! There are many types of help. Groups such as AA, NA, Support Groups, and Celebrate Recovery have helped many. Need money and a job? Asking for donations is fine? Maybe try to think of doing a temporary job. I see people every day with Masters Degrees, that can't find work in their profession; the are working any job the can find now.

My family has been served eviction papers.  My husband and I have 3 children.  He lost his job suddenly.  Today, he received a call that he was hired for another position, however, he will not be albe to start until next week which will surely be too late to wait for his check.  We are willing to do whatever to help our family.  Being hardworkers for so long it is especially difficult, humbling and embarrasing to be in this position. 

We are days away from being served papers from the sherrif's office to vacate the property and we have no where to go.  We have very little money and we would like to keep our children in the apartment near their friends and school.  I don't know what to do but to ask if anyone could help, please do.  The total that we need is $4500. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Hi, I am the married mother of 3 in Canby, Or. I have been married to my husband for 20 years and he has been out of work almost a year due to a severe anxiety disorder and other health issues. I have been the sole supporter of our family and on October 16 I was fired from my job of 5 years as an assistant director in a childcare center becuase I made 1 human error and almost fed a bottle to a baby that did not belong to him. The huge corporation I worked for has a very black and white attitude and it made no difference that I never was written up before. Anyhow, I have been looking for work and I am apparently overqualified or under-educated. (I worked myself up from the ranks) I passed my test to get into nursing school in May, my lifelong dream but that may not happen if I can't figure out how to get employment now. I am terrified about not  having anything for my children on Christmas and obviously bills. I was hoping to get unemployment to have time to help my husband sort through and gather info to get his disability case started. (Upon recommendation from his Dr.) Today I was denied and I am feeling like a leper. I have sent out over 30 resumes, gone to countless interviews and am scouring job sites and classifieds daily. I was told I cannot receive TANF if I was fired. Any thoughts there?

Thanks for listening!

Hello Everyone,

This site is new to me and it is a true blessing to be able to help one another. First my husband and I cut our cable (where we live the tv's don't work without cable), then we cut our house phone and lowered our cell phone plan to a minimum amount of minutes. Then we sold our Tv, our game console and games and finally we had to pawn our wedding rings and our only car just to make ends meet. This recession is making it difficult for my husband to find a second job and for me to find one at all.

I am 23 years old and currently majoring in psychology and my husband is working on his premed. I dedicate myself only to my studies because my husband has a really great paying job, only problem is that although it is great paying they just cut his hours at work. He went from a full time to a part time, and part time just isn't enough to pay the bills. We have no car payments, no serious debt, we just need enough to pay rent and food, and basic bills such as electricity, water, gas and cell phone bill. 

We really need some help, any help counts. I definetley believe in helping one another, the main reason I am majoring in psychology is not for the money but because I want to be able to give my services to those who cannot afford to pay for an expensive psychologist. If you can please help me with whatever you can now, you are not just helping me but my future to help others. Thank you for your attention and time. God Bless

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis September 25 2007.  Since then I've been readmitted to the hospital 4 times.  I'm a newly wed, I just got married June 10 2006.  I have a 17 year old son, that I raised on my own.

I've always been independent.  I even asked my husband to move to Canada (he's american),so I could provide for us while he waited for his Permanent Resident Visa.

Now....

I can't work.  He can't work yet.  I'm getting worse so quickly.  We really need financial help.  I have a website with more information.  http://www.traceykennedy.com/.

Due to the MS and where my lesions are located, I have severe depression, and I have to fight everyday, just to get out of bed, everything seems so darn hopefuless right now. I used to go out every night.

Now I can barely make it to the bathroom without pissing myself.  Please Help.

I'm afraid.  I'm worried about my son's future, and if they will both have to go on without me.  Because I might end up in a home if we don't get some money to provide for us.  Anything would help, I know people are generous, so I am greatful for that.  Thankyou.

Donate Please anything will help

I am a single mom of 5 small children, ranging in ages  10 days to 11 years.  I lost my job in January, and was unemployed until May of this year. I got behind on my bills, and haven't been able to get caught up. I am now trying to save my home. I am behind two months and am in desperate need of $1500.00 to get currant. I am working full time, and have stable employment. I just need a boost to get caught up on my bills, mainly my mortgage. I don't want to loose my home. I could never afford an apartment for me and my kids for the price that I am paying each month for my mortgage. I know when you see that I am a single mom of 5 small children the first thing that may come to your mind is you should not of had those kids if you couldn't afford them. Let me explain, two are kids that I have raised from birth, they are kids from an affair that my ex-husband had during our marriage. These kids didn't ask to be brought into this world under the circumstances that brought them here, and are innocent victims. The other three are siblings of a friend of mine that couldn't afford to keep her kids. When I found out she was pregnant, I couldn't stand the idea of the kids not knowing thier baby sister, so when she was born on July 9th ten days ago, I brought her home with me instead of letting her go to the state. I am a good person that helps others all the time. Now I am in need. I need help financially, I have tried everyone and everything that I know. I made a repayment plan with my mortgage company, I was supposed to pay them today $1681.00. I don't have it. I don't know anyone who will lend it to me, or help me. I ran across this web site and thought that maybe someone here could help me. Thank you for even considering and for reading my story.

I am a sixty-six year old single white female.  I owned my home for over ten years and planned to stay in it until my death.  On February 29, 2008, I lost my job (age discrimination).  A thirty year old white male was put in my position.  Unfortunately I live in NC, a fire at will state, and an employee can be terminated for any reason.  I was on the job for three years, never took a vacation, because my boss always found a need for me to postpone taking any extended time off.  I am computer literate and I have advanced Microsoft Office computer skills.  I feel that I was forced into retirement before I was financially ready and I have lost everything I worked my whole life to achieve.

Due to the job loss, and my advanced age, I have been unable to find employment elsewhere, so I had to voluntary foreclose on my home and file bankruptcy.  I am now basically homeless.  I put my meager possessions in storage and am now living with friends and family.  I get a small SS check but it is not sufficient to even rent a place of my own. 

If I could get financial assistance in buying a mobile home, I would have a home to live in for my remaining years.  Some days I don't feel it is even important to keep going on in the way I am now living.  I worked for forty years and now at my time of retirement, I am homeless and bankrupt due to my job loss and the inability to get another one. 

Greetings,

4 years ago I lost my job, then my house and took a job making 8.50/hour.  Prior to this job loss, I made decent money, was generous to my friends and many charities in my community.  Never in a million years did I ever think I would be the one needing assistance.  3 years ago I decided to go back to school and study medical ultrasound.  

During this time, my bills fell behind, my credit suffered horribly and now that I have finished school and have once again gotten a good job I am still struggling to make ends meet because I am trying to get my all of my debts, that I incurred in four years, paid off. 

If you want to help, I would be eternally appreciative.
Thank you in advance for your generosity

Hello,

I receively lost my job from a company that I have worked for over a year and a half .  I was a great employee, always on time, I always did above and below my job requirements. Now I am in debt with only 2 days of food in my refrigerator at a time. I have a 5 year old little boy in school. I took out two payday loans while I was working for car repairs and gas over the internet. And the companies are going to take out the money regardless if the funds are in there or not which will cause overdraft fees and other charges. I would close the account but I need it to pay bills. These online companies would not even let me make payment arrangements. I have never asked anyone for anything before. And I just so happen to stumble accross this website. I need $600.00 to pay them in full, but any help would be greatly appreciated. I am at my witts end.

Thanks-

Kia