(Kathy Lohr/National Public Radio)
More than 40 percent of the long-term unemployed say they’ve received a lot of help from family and friends. But only 1 in 10 reports getting much help from churches or community groups, according to an NPR/Kaiser Family Foundation poll.
While family may be the first stop for help, these groups say they’re indeed seeing large numbers of people who have been out of work a long time.
‘We’re Overwhelmed Now’
The vast majority of those polled — about 70 percent — say they’ve received no help from nonprofits or community groups. Liz Hamel with the Kaiser Family Foundation says there are a several reasons. Some may not know resources are available, and others want help that nonprofits may not provide.
“So they may be looking for specific job placement services or help with job training and may be having difficulty finding that in their local community,” Hamel says.
But as friends and family get tapped out, community and church organizations say the long-term unemployed do turn to them. (Listen/read to the full story on NPR)
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