Library Collections
Tough Times Web Resources
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8 Steps to Take in Tough Times:
During these difficult economic times there are a variety of steps that you can take to help you with unemployment, job searching, foreclosure assistance, and other trying situations. Click on the links below to find out more about these topics:
1. Seek Out General Assistance Programs: General Assistance Programs can help with a variety of needs during difficult economic times
2. File an Unemployment Claim: Filing for unemployment can be a important step to helping you and your familyUnited Way's 211: United Way, nationwide, provides a variety of resources to assist during economic hardship. From help filing for unemployment, to foreclosure assistance, to helping with rent and utilities. They have a network of resources specific to the Metro-Detroit area as well. Beyond their website, you can dial 211 from any local phone to receive personalized assistance
GovBenefits.gov: The US Government's GovBenefits website has a variety of resources from career resources to housing, from food to social security
Department of Human Services: Michigan Department of Human Services
Tough Times - Library Lifelines: Links to local services to help during difficult times, from MetroNet Library Consortium
Displaced Worker's Guide: "To assist displaced workers in Michigan, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) is making available a guidebook filled with information on unemployment benefits, food stamps, foreclosure assistance, free financial counseling, MichiganWorks! centers, retraining programs and other assistance designed to help people in this time of need."
Michigan's Helping Hand Website: Find assistance for a variety of difficulties associated with economic difficulties. Includes resources for: Jobs, Unemployment, Health Care, Family Support, and Housing Help
3. Find Foreclosure Assistance: Help with preventing and coping with foreclosureUnemployment Insurance Agency: The State of Michigan's source for unemployment. Go here to learn how to file for unemployment in person, over the phone, or online
MARVIN: Michigan's Automated Response Voice Interactive Network. Information on phoning in your bi-weekly unemployment claim
MARVIN Online: File your MARVIN bi-weekly unemployment claim online
UIA & MWA Video: Filing Your Claim for Unemployment Benefits and Finding a Job: A UIA & MWA partnership
Michigan Foreclosure and Delinquency Assistance: Produced by the United Way, you can learn about foreclosures and find mortgage and delinquency assistance.4. Consider Other Types of Financial and Material Assistance: There's aid available for families in all types of situations
Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure: From the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, information about avoiding foreclosure, refinancing, and foreclosure assistance
Bureau of Consumer Protection: Produced by the Federal Trade Commission, it gives broader information on credit, loans, financing, identity theft, and many ways of protecting your personal finances
Making Home Affordable: Information on home loans and re-financing your home, to help homeowners take advantage of lower interest rates
Help for Homeowners: Information from SEMCOG (Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments)
Save the Dream: A response to Michigan foreclosures from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority)
Credit Counseling: Credit and debt counseling from GreenPath (a non-profit credit counseling agency)
Hope Now: Support and Guidance for Homeowners
WDET Facing the Mortgage Crisis: Local news on the mortgage crisis
General: Assistance Services: From the Michigan Department of Human Services, find cash, food, child support, child care, medical, and emergency services5. Find Affordable Health Care: Find out about affordable health insurance and making your health care more cost effective
Seniors: Michigan Services to the Aging: Find links to services of all kinds for the elderly and their caregivers
Energy: Michigan Energy Assistance: A coalition that provides a directory of energy assistance programs and helpful energy tips
Food: PantryNet.org: A listing, by zip code, of local food pantries to help with groceries
Clothing: Resale and Consignment Stores: A listing of some area resale and consignment stores.
Local: BASCC: Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council: Provides assistance and support groups to local seniors
COBRA Premium Reduction: COBRA is now accessible at a reduced price. Find out more at this US Department of Labor Website
Health Care Provider Report Cards: From the National Committee for Quality Assurance, evaulates the quality of healthcare coverage provided by different plans
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services: Government-provided health care for low-income families and seniors
Find a Health Center: Provided by the US Health Resources and Services Administration, you can find federally-funded health centers for those with no insurance.
Low Cost Health Care: From the Michigan Department of Community Health, finding low cost and free healthcare services.
Michigan Medicaid/Medicare Assistance Program: Information for seniors and the disabled on finding affordable health insurance.
6. Look For a Job: Ways to locate available jobs.
MeL List of Job-Posting Websites: A list of job-posting websites from the Michigan eLibrary
Motor City Help Wanted: Bank of local job resources
Monster: Nation-wide job postings
CareerBuilder.com: National job search bank
CareerWorks: Employment news, calendars, and profiles from Crain's Detroit Business
Avoid Job Scams: Links compiled by Baldwin Public Library about avoiding job scams
LII Job Resources: A variety of links on topics such as job listings, affirmative action, internships, and other job-related resources
Indeed.com: Website for job-listings nationwide.
7. Learn How to Improve Your Job Application and Interview Skills: Learn about different careers, write a resume, and build your interview skills.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Research career information such as education needed, demand, and salary information
Learning Express Library: Job search and workplace skills (job search, resume, and interview skills) and career information
Riley Guide: Links to help in your job search, resume writing, and interviewing, as well as career, salary, and part-time job information
MI-Car: Michigan Career Information from the Department of Economic and Labor Growth, including career outlook and salary information
Worksmart - Tips for Success (Interviews): Get quick and easy tips for improving your chances at a job interview.
Michigan Works: In-person assistance, computers, job-postings, local offices throughout the state
Resume Templates: Resume templates from Google. Choose a template and even save your resume online.
Local: Training for Laid Off Workers: Information and training for laid-off workers through Oakland Community College
Local: Wayne State Tuition Assistance for Laid-Off Alumni and Their Spouses: Wayne State is offering half-off tuition to Alumni and their spouses if one of them has been laid off in the last six months.
8. Consider Other Options: Maybe now is your chance to take on a volunteer project, start a business, or go back to school
No Worker Left Behind: Free tuition for up to two years for training in a high demand or emerging field from the State of Michigan
Learning Express Library: Has skill buiding and practice tests for the GED and various college entrance exams.
US Small Business Administration: Information to help start, grow, and thrive as a small business
Labor Market Information: Find out about the Michigan employment situation and the future forecast, as well as information by county and layoff information by date.
Michigan's Green Jobs Initiative: Find out about green jobs here in Michigan
Student Aid.gov: Federally funded Student Aid Options
Other helpful resources:
Preparing for a layoff: Recognizing the signs of an impending layoff and preparing yourself
Your Credit: Information on credit from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority
MyMoney.gov: US Financial Literacy and Education Commission on credit
How to Contact for Help: Information on help during credit problems.
GI Bill - Note changes in the post-9/11 GI Bill to help you get a good education
Tough Times - Library Lifelines: Links to local services to help during difficult times, from MetroNet Library Consortium
America's Job Bank: Find out information on resumes, interviewing, picking a new career path and more
Career Voyages: Information to help you find a new job
If you'd like additional resources posted, go to our Neighbors 4 Neighbors Forum and tell us what kinds of resources you'd like to see or what you've found helpful.
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