Job seekers turn to employment centers as unemployment benefits run out

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Career Source of Southwest Florida plans to help reacclimate thousands of people back into the workforce in the coming month.

Federal unemployment benefits are set to run out at the end of June.

 Until then people who continue to collect the $300 a week in federal funds must prove they’re looking for a job.

In Southwest Florida alone, there are 20 thousand people who are still unemployed and many of them are expected to visit Career Source to find a job after more than a year of collecting unemployment.

Mia Williams lost her job last March and she said now it’s game on to find another job since she is unable to return fulltime to the hospitality industry.

“It’s been a struggle because even the people who got hired back they’re not getting 40 hours,” Williams said.

Tommy Alcock is in the same boat.  He’s nearly 50 years old and he said trying to change careers is difficult.

“I came in today because I’m unemployed and I have to take care of my family,” Alcock said.

Career Source reports it’s been busy with people seeking help.

But with the clock ticking, Career Source is warning people not to wait until the last minute to try and find a job.

“By the time all the unemployment assistance runs out you’re going to be in the grove of people that are going to be after the same thing,” said Janeth Castrejon.

Career Source suggests you schedule an appointment but you can walk into Career Source without an appointment.

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