Clock Ticks for Unemployed Woman in Elkhart
For 20 months Janis McDonald has been home searching for work after she was laid off from the RV customer service job she held for 33 years, reports CBS News correspondent Seth Doane.
"It's me and the dog. He doesn't know," said Janis. "He likes me home."
She'll stop getting her $390 a week unemployment check at the end of this month.
"It's tough," Janis told Seth, wiping a tear. "I'm sorry."
Elkhart County saw as many as 12,000 people filing for unemployment benefits each week in 2009. But by last month that number had fallen to 2,400 in Oct. 2010 - thanks to improvement in the main industry here: RV manufacturing.
"Business is good," said Ron Fenech, RV Group president. "It's great for all of the companies and all of the individuals that are working, but the food lines are still quite long."
Just look at Church Community Services where - compared to last year - demand is up 23 percent in the last three months. They worry if people stop receiving their unemployment checks.
"I think we could see another tidal wave of people in disaster," said Dean Preheim Bartel, executive director of Church Community Services.
These benefits can last up to 99 weeks. That's nearly three months longer than any time in U.S. history. They now cost the country nearly $225 billion a year.
Scott Welch says they can create the wrong incentive.
"If you keep giving'em stuff, then they're going to find ways to take advantage of that," said Scott.
Welch tried to hire 10 employees over the last six months to staff his packaging company. He says only half the applicants were really looking for work.
"A lot of people are just coming by and saying fill out my card so that I can continue to get my unemployment benefits so that I look like I'm looking for a job," said Scott.
When Janis hears people saying that extensions don't help she thinks, "Come to Elkhart."
Janis McDonald had a job interview the day she met Seth, but still no word.
"Worst scenario? I empty out my house and move in with my 81-year-old mother," said Janis.
It's an anxious wait, with the clock ticking.
More reports from Elkhart:
Indiana Town's Struggle Continues
In Elkhart, Few Signs of Recession's End
In Lean Times, A Restaurant Can't Be Saved
The Restaurant That Needs A Miracle
Revisiting A Town In Crisis
Small Towns And Unemployment
