Recently, I hosted a town hall meeting on job strategies in our challenging economic times. I was joined at the Lathrup Village Town Hall by state and local officials with a vast knowledge of the programs available to unemployed people.

There is help available, but unfortunately many people don’t know how to access these programs. I hope that readers will find this information helpful.

These programs are available for job seekers:

Trade Adjustment Assistance Program: Oakland County Michigan Works! Office, 248-858-5520, or the Department of Energy Labor and Economic Development’s (DELEG) Bureau of Workforce Transformation, 517-335-5858. This program helps people who have lost their jobs due to national trade policies.

Rapid Response Program (DELEG): 517-373-6234. This program begins when Rapid Response is notified of a plant closing or mass lay-off, and helps people with their job search and new training they may need.

No Worker Left Behind: Oakland County Michigan Works! Office, 248-858-5520. This program helps with college and training costs for people changing careers.

AFL-CIO Human Resources Development Inc., Peer to Peer Program: Wayne office, Cheryl Sandford, 313-826-0299; or Southwest Detroit Worker Center, Elena Herrada, at 313-897-3311. This program trains workers in companies that are downsizing to be job search and assistance contacts for their peers.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC): The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), 2727 Second Ave., Suite 120, Detroit, 313- 967-9295. This office provides counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures, new start-up businesses, and existing small businesses.

Ferndale Career Center: 713 East Nine Mile Road, 248-545-0222. The center offers job resources and training opportunities to young people and adults.

Unemployment Insurance Agency: to file your claim by phone call 1-866-500-0017. To inquire about your claim call 1-866-500-0017, press 3. To find answers to general questions about unemployment benefits, and to print forms, visit www.michigan.gov/uia.

Oakland County Department of Human Services: DHS Office, Baldwin Road District, 1685 Baldwin Road, Pontiac, 248-975-5400. DHS can help with many needs including medical needs, utility assistance, and food assistance.

Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency: 345 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 248-542-5860. This agency helps with everyday needs and job referrals.

A very valuable tip that night came from United Way of Southeastern Michigan. The United Way runs the 211 Help Line which connects people with helpful services just as 911 connects people with emergency services. People simply dial 211 and use the United Way as their link to local and state programs. 211 can make referrals to agencies that can help with job training, rent, mortgage payments, and the cost of food or prescriptions. 211 is a lifeline for people in difficult situations trying to navigate their way through local and state programs.

I talked to many people that night who are experiencing difficult times, but are hopeful and willing to do whatever it takes to get back to work. Our economy is in crisis and families are struggling, but no one needs to go through this alone. Help is available, and in the coming months I hope there will be more help from the federal stimulus package. We are all in this together, and together we can weather this economic storm.

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Senator Gilda Jacobs represents the 14th Senate District, which includes Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township, Southfield and Southfield Township. She is the Minority Vice Chair of the Campaign & Election Oversight, Families & Human Services and Finance committees. She is a member of the Economic Development & Regulatory Reform and Health Policy committees. She can be reached toll-free in Lansing at 1-888-937-4453.