Financial & Other Help

When you are unemployed, you may need to tap into your savings, but there are many resources for financial assistance. 

Below are a few national and local resources to explore, compiled by The Job Hopper with some additional local edits.

The main thing is, don't be afraid to ask! Many people have been in the same situation. 

Ask for Assistance

You've probably already explored many of the financial strategies available when you're out of work, but if you haven't, it's worth speaking with your creditors to see if they can waive payments and fees.

• Talk to your mortgage holder or landlord, cell phone provider, internet and utility providers, credit card companies, car loan company, and other creditors.

• Some may offer grace periods, payment plans, or financing to help you continue business as usual, at least for a while.

• A personal loan may also be an option.

It’s always embarrassing to ask for help, but your family, friends, and others won’t know you need assistance unless you ask. Whether it’s giving you a loan, buying groceries, or providing childcare while you job search, here are some ways that your friends, family, and connections can assist with your job search.

Get Help at Local Agencies

It’s also important to tap federal, state, local, and community resources available to help unemployed workers. Below are some options for assistance. 

>>Rather than list every local option, directories are cited so that you can search by zip code. 

WorkSource

WorkSource has locations throughout the metropolitan area. They are our local workforce development services and offer a wide range of assistance to unemployed individuals. 

Sign up for a MyWorkSource account to access news and information to help you, like notifications of upcoming career fairs. 

Click here to learn more about Oregon unemployment benefits.

Federal and State Assistance Programs

• Assistance Programs: Benefits.gov has a directory of benefits and assistance programs. Complete a brief questionnaire to learn about and apply for the benefits for which you may be eligible.

• For Families: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) can provide assistance with food, financial support, training, and job searching and WIC provides supplemental food and nutritional assistance to low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5.

• Help with Groceries: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families and individuals buy groceries.

Nonprofit Agencies

• 2-1-1 Call Center. Call 211 or search online to get local help with training, employment, food, housing, and support groups.

• Directory of Support Services. Findhelp.org is a comprehensive directory searchable by ZIP code. 

• Churches and Community Organizations. Check with local churches and community organizations. Many offer a variety of resources for those in need, including food, clothes, household supplies, and other necessities.

• Food Banks. If you need food assistance, here’s a directory of food banks and food pantries from Feed America. Additionally, you can search Google for “food pantry” or “food bank” to find a list of providers near you. 

• Homeless Shelters. Here is a list of homeless shelters throughout the United States, provided by the National Coalition for the Homeless. If you’re about to become homeless, here is a guide on what to do now.

• Interview Attire: Dress for Success and Divine Threads provide these services locally. They require a referral. Ask your mentor or email info@jobseekerslo.org for more information. 

• Technology: FreeGeek offers free and low-cost access to refurbished laptops and other job search tech tools.

• Phone Service. Reduced-cost phone service is through the Lifeline program for qualifying low-income people.

• Pets. Contact your local animal shelter and veterinarian to see whether they can help you or refer you to resources for pet food and care. Also, some food pantries may have dog food and pet supplies.

Use Free Resources and Services

Use the Library

One of the best free resources available is your local public library. You can access free Wi-Fi, computers, printers, workshops, and training classes.

Some libraries lend Chromebooks and internet hot spots, and you can get free access to LinkedIn Learning to upgrade your skills.

Use Google

You can use free Google tools for every component of your job search: gain skills, write resumes and cover letters, create and save documents and files, send professional email messages, find job listings, apply for jobs, track your applications, and prepare for interviews.

If you don’t have access to a computer, you can use Google Drive to store your job search materials and access them via the library’s, a family member’s, or a friend’s computer.

Get Free Rides

If you don’t have access to transportation, Lyft’s free rides program offers transportation to job interviews, training, or work.

Supplement Your Earnings

If you are starting to tap into your retirement savings, it may be time to consider a "survival" job, which we sometimes call a "sanity" job because it has the added benefit of getting you out of the house and out of your head. There are plenty of options that provide both income and the flexibility to continue your search.

Some roles may even relate to your profession, so consider any opportunity that can help you build skills. For instance, one job seeker interested in food marketing got a gig as an Instacart shopper to stay current with retail food trends. 

Gig Work

• If you need to make money quickly, there are apps available that can help you find gigs where you can apply, get hired, and get paid promptly. 

• Here are some free apps you can use to find shopping, delivery, driving, caregiving, building, repairing, tutoring, freelance, and professional gigs. 

• Use AI to research newer options. 

Part-Time Jobs

• Job seekers have had success seeking work at the post office, Costco, or local retailers. 

• Others have found work in the schools as substitute teachers or bus drivers. If you can get a job as a school bus driver, you have a significant block of time in the middle of the day to focus on your job search. 

• Warehouse workers and delivery drivers are often in demand (Amazon, UPS, others).

Find and Apply

• Consider benefits: Tuition reimbursement is sometimes available to part-time employees. 

• Apply directly: Finding a part-time job can still be a challenge, so consider the direct application route when applying to a small business, which simply means walking in and speaking with someone. Since so few people have the courage to do this, you can truly stand out. 

• Career fairs: A great resource for part-time roles and provide the opportunity to speak directly with a recruiter. See a list of local career fairs on your My WorkSource account. 

More Services

Health Insurance Coverage or Bills

• There are several places to look for assistance. Review this document for more information.

Clothing and Other Support

For Women

• Dress for Success - Helps unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence by providing no-fee programs. Requires a Referral from a mentor
• Divine Threads - Helps women facing poverty, emotional distress, and isolation brought on my traumatic upheaval in their lives, such as Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, War/Refugees, Addiction, Imprisonment, etc. They are located at Rolling Hills Community Church and require a referral.

For Men

• Elevate Him - Elevate Him provides one-on-one support to men experiencing barriers to their success, including men facing incarceration, addiction, unemployment, or emotional isolation. Services include suit fittings, grooming services, style coaching, job preparation, leadership development, and resource referrals for employment, counseling, and housing.