Many families are cutting back to make ends meet and living check to check after unemployment numbers rise. But for several northern Michigan families that check is coming from the unemployment office.
By Sheena Elzie
Monday, November 17, 2008 at 7:12 p.m.
Read more: Local
Many families are cutting back to make ends meet and living check to check after unemployment numbers rise. But for several northern Michigan families that check is coming from the unemployment office.
When Theresa Weber lost her job, she says the bills started to pile up and without the extra income to pay for it she says it turned her life into one that she couldn't afford.
"It was very difficult financially because I was unable to collect unemployment for ten weeks," said Weber. That's when she says she had to find a way to make ends meet, but she says her unemployment benefits only go so far.
"There was a minimal amount that we had to have to make the mortgage and make the credit card payments," said Weber. She's helping support her husband and two teens with an unemployment check...making nearly half of her normal wages. Since then she says they've had to cut back.
"Turning off the shower when your washing your body, reusing towels, paper towels turning off every light, keeping the heat down," said Weber.
She's been unemployed since August and has been approved for an extension to help keep food on the table for her family. And Weber is not alone, she's one of the hundreds that have had to walk through the doors of the unemployment office, In fact according to statistics from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth nearly 8% of the population in Northwest Michigan is unemployed, but Weber says she is determined not to become part of the statistic.
"I've updated my resume and have constantly sent out my resume," said Weber. Weber says she's planning on going back to school and though it's been a struggle she's is still optimistic about what the future holds.
