Unemployment, food demand grows in Elgin

Whether the United States is sinking into an even deeper recession is for the economists to debate.

But from 1 to 3 p.m. today, the people who will line up at the Salvation Army of Elgin's office along Douglas Avenue for the agency's first weekly mass food distribution should provide some evidence.

Before, people in need were eligible to receive food once a month.

"Now, it's a weekly crisis for people," said Salvation Army Major Ken Nicolai. "They're just fighting to keep a roof over their head."

Last month, 413 families asked for assistance. That's more than double the 189 families that had received assistance in January 2008, Nicolai said.

People seeking groceries must present a form of government issued identification.

Donations are accepted at 316 Douglas and volunteers to pack bags are needed on Thursdays. For details, call (847) 741-2304 or e-mail Gail_Koehl@usc.salvationarmy.org.

Nicolai said the mass food distributions will be held every Friday until they run out of food or the economic situation improves.

But that could be some time; Elgin is ahead of the state when it comes to unemployment.

In December 2008, the most recent figures available from the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Elgin had an unemployment rate of 10.6 percent. That figure represents a 40-percent jump over the 7.5 percent unemployment rate in Elgin in December 2007.

The state's unemployment rate as of December 2008 was 7.4 percent.

Leo Nelson, president of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, said the group is working to forge community partnerships to retrain workers for better jobs in the future. He also noted several large manufacturers that are coming to the city in coming months.

"(Unemployment rates) are probably going to be higher," he said. "I think it's a concern nationally, not just Elgin."

The United Way of Elgin has put together a guide, "Help for Hard Times," to assists people in finding aid. To request one, call (847) 741-2259 or email doconnor@uwelgin.org.