Las Vegas NowChannel 8 Hosts Another Successful 8 On Your Side Fair
Thousands of Nevadans are struggling to make ends meet and KLAS-TV, Channel 8 wants to help bridge the gap between community resources and those who need the services.
KLAS-TV and the Community Pride partners, in collaboration with the United Way of Southern Nevada held an 8 On Your Side Fair on Thursday, to help connect Nevadans with local resources that can provide assistance in everything from housing to food needs.
The fair will took place at the Heinrich YMCA on Meadows Lane.
With the economy in a recession and jobless claims hitting a new high, there are so many people looking for help. The United States Labor Department says new applications for unemployment benefits totaled 627,000 last week.
"Many of these families have never been in this situation before and aren't aware of the many services that are available in Southern Nevada," said Emily Neilson, general manager of KLAS-TV.
The agencies that took part in the fair include:
One look around the gym at the YMCA and you get a feel for just how tough times are. Most of those who attended the resource fair are out of work. Many needed a place to live, food to eat and, most of all, some reassurance that there are people who care about their predicament who are willing to help if they can.
"We're all numbers now. That's all we are now is numbers and nobody realizes what we did before. I worked for more than 20 years," said Judy Wilinski.
Wilinski is another casualty of Las Vegas' collapsed housing market. She was laid off after more than 20 years in the title business, "I have never been on unemployment in my life and I'm 61-years-old."
After more than 12 years, Annie Willis lost her job as a maid at a local hotel, "The biggest stress in my life is not having any medical or dental services for me."
And that's what brought Annie Willis to the fair. A representative with the Nevada Health Centers was on hand to tell her about free and low-cost dental services available in the community.
Social service providers at the 8 on Your Side fair say older single women who are recently unemployed make up the largest demographic of those seeking help at the event.
"That's the tough age, because you're not old enough to receive most of the senior services yet, and you're not young enough to get some of the other services. You don't have kids at home, you're single, where do you turn for help?" said Sharon Mann with Catholic Charities.
Unfortunately, the help some people need isn't always readily available. Funding for rental and utility bill assistance has complete run out and the social service agencies and non-profit groups report they won't receive any additional federal funding for those essential services for at least a month.
"In the meantime, we do have food, so come down for groceries and that might help you offset that utility bill you need to pay," said Mann.
A lot of those that attended the fair are recently unemployed. Many don't know how to navigate the welfare or social services system like unemployment, health care and housing. It can an intimidating and frustrating process if you don't have some help.
If you were unable to attend the fair, this link will help connect you with local services.
There are several 8 on Your Side Resource Fairs planned for the year. The next fair will be held Thursday, May 14, 2009. It will be at the YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane from 12 p.m. to 4:30pm. There are two more fairs also planned. They will be held August 13, 2009 and November 10, 2009.
