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Introduction

The recent changes in our economy have affected many people. Many have lost jobs or are living in fear of losing their jobs in the near future. If you have recently found yourself unemployed, this booklet is for you.

This booklet offers resources for you to use during your journey. The agencies listed can

services and job search assistance.

The inclusion of agencies and programs in this booklet does not constitute endorsement, nor does omission suggest disapproval by the United Way of Central Ohio. The listees are responsible for the accuracy of the information presented. United Way of Central Ohio assume no responsibility regarding the accuracy of the information or the quality of services provided by organizations in this supplement.

specialists have access to more than 5,000 services and programs in the greater Columbus area.

Or you can contact the Community Services Department at United Way of Central Ohio at (614) 227-2724 and ask for an AFL-CIO Labor Liaison or go online at

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 4Budgeting 5Mortgage 6Rent 7Utility Bill Assistance 8

Social Security 9Ohio Works First (OWF) 9Additional Assistance 10

FOOD ASSISTANCE 10Ohio Direction Card 10Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 10School Year and Summer Meal Programs 10Food Pantries 10

HEALTH CARE 11COBRA 11Ohio Works First (OWF) 11Insurance for Children 11Medicare and Medicaid 11Free Walk-in Clinics 12Community Health Care Facilities 12Dental Care 13Prescription Assistance 14

LEGAL SERVICES 15Legal Assistance 15

COPING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT 15Take Care of Yourself 16Counseling Services 16Childcare 16Volunteering 17

JOB SEARCH TIPS 17Job Information Sources 18Your Resume 18Career Counseling 18Career Clothing 19

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Budgeting

Reduced income requires your utmost caution and skill in managing your money. There are

Secondly, create a chart of your typical monthly expenses (see Expense Log on next page).

do not have enough money to cover all your bills, prioritize your bills. Pay rent/mortgage,

charges and future debt. If you can not pay a bill on time, notify your creditors, lenders or landlord before the due date. Explain your situation truthfully and ask for a payment plan,

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Ohio 4500 East Broad Street 43213Suite 200(614) 552-2222

Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio 1169 Dublin Road 43215 (614) 486-6336

30 East Broad Street 4321514th Floor(614)466-4986 Public Action Line

Six Month Expected Income

MONTH 1

MONTH 2

MONTH 3

MONTH 4

MONTH 5

MONTH 6

Severance Pay

UnemploymentPay

Cash in Bank

Savings

Other Income

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Note: Some bills like water and sewer may not be due monthly.

involving a divorce, mediation services can be helpful. For more information call:

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio 67 Jefferson Avenue 43215Second Floor (614) 228-7191

375 South High Street 43215Seventh Floor 614) 645-7483 9a-7p Mon-Fri, 2p-4p Sat-Sun

Rent/MortgageElectricityHeatingWaterPhoneCableLaundry/CleaningOtherPERSONALTransportationCredit CardClothingDuesSubscriptionsOtherFAMILYChildcareMedicalTuitionSchool SuppliesBirthdays/GiftsOther

TOTAL

S

Expense Log

Last Month

Month 1*

Month 2*

Month 3*

Month 4*

Month 5*

Month 6*

HOUSEHOLDFood

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MortgagePlanning ahead can help you avoid losing your home. Contact your bank or mortgage lender

every reasonable alternative to avoid losing your home. Most banks prefer to negotiate an

you fully understand it. For assistance, contact:

Columbus Housing Partnership 562 East Main Street 43215 (614) 221-8889

If you have a VA-insured mortgage, call:

Franklin County Veterans Service Commission 250 West Broad Street 43215 (614) 462-2500

If you have a HUD/FHA loan payment problem, contact your lender or a HUD approved mortgage counseling agency as soon as possible. Explain the situation, and be prepared to

US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 200 North High Street 43215Seventh Floor (614) 469-5737

program that runs from April to September each year. This program is the Emergency Food

application procedures and eligibility requirements, and assistance is not guaranteed. For income requirements, see Appendix A . For application sites (during program months), call:

Rent

can evict you for non-payment of rent, the apartment manager or landlord must notify you in

step in the eviction process.

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on current programs, call FIRSTLINK at (614) 221-2255 or 211.

The Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (FCDJFS) administers a

emergency situations, for home or car repairs. For the nearest Opportunity Center site, call:

Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services

80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000

If you are a veteran, you might be able to receive assistance from this organization:

Franklin County Veterans Service Commission250 West Broad Street 43215(614) 462-2500

If your rent continues to go unpaid, the second step your landlord needs to take in the eviction process is to obtain permission from a judge to evict you. If you receive an eviction

must respond quickly to any documents you receive. The court eviction process normally

In addition, as mentioned earlier, Lutheran Social Services administers a rent and mortgage

See Mortgage section for information.

Utility Bill Assistance

receive a shut-off notice

If you have questions or complaints about a gas, electric or cable company, contact:

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) 180 East Broad Street 43215(614) 466-3292

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There are several utility assistance programs in Franklin County, but they run seasonally

Department of Development (ODOD) offers the regular Home Energy Assistance Program

federal poverty level). See Appendix A (Federal Poverty Level Chart) at the end of this guide. For more information on HEAP or other energy assistance programs, contact:

Ohio Department of Development(614) 644-6600(800) 282-0880Online Regular HEAP applications: energyhelp.ohio.gov

The Emergency HEAP Winter Crisis Program (administered by Columbus LEADS) provides

offers the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), an income-based payment plan, as

federal poverty level to qualify for PIPP and HWAP. For more information, contact:

Columbus LEADS1808 East Broad Street 43203(614) 252-2799(614) 917-2444 Automated Appointment Line

only if it is a medical necessity. For the nearest Opportunity Center site, call:

Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services

80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000

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of your employers for the last 18 months (name, address and telephone number) and the reason you are no longer employed. Contact:

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services 1-877-644-65627:30a-4:30p Mon-Fri

Social Security

US Social Security Administration 200 North High Street 43215 (614) 469-6855

subsidies, Medicaid health coverage for children, case management, career guidance, skills training, and job placement. OWF is also sometimes referred to as Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF), due to the funding source. For the nearest Opportunity Center, call:

Franklin County Department of Job and Family ServicesAdministration80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000

Additional AssistanceSome social service agencies and charitable funds provide seasonal (or time-limited)

information and referral hotline at (614) 221-2255 or 211

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FOOD ASSISTANCEIn order to save money, it can be tempting to cut corners on food expenses. Rather than going hungry, there are other options to reduce the cost of feeding a family. Here are some options:

This program provides grocery bill assistance through a standard debit card to improve diets

on family size, income and expenses such as childcare costs. Working individuals may still receive assistance since eligibility is based on need and income. For the nearest Opportunity Center, call:

Franklin County Department of Job and Family ServicesAdministration80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000

pregnant or breast feeding, and their children or foster children (ages 0-5). The program sup-plies vouchers to purchase items such as milk, cheese, juice, eggs, cereal and infant formula. Families must meet income eligibility requirements. Call for an appointment and nearest loca-tion:

Columbus Health Department Administration240 Parsons Avenue 43215 (614) 645-7280

School Year and Summer Meal Programslunches during the school year and summer break at certain sites. For information, contact your

(614) 341-7700

Food Pantries

FOODLINK(614) 341-2282 7a-4p Mon, Wed, Fri; and 7a-8p Tue, Thu

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HEALTH CARE

have lost your health coverage, speak to your doctor about the possibility of negotiating reduced fees and payment schedules. Here are some health care programs you may be able to use:

COBRA

extension of health coverage at group rates for at least 60 days. In some circumstances, you, your spouse, and your dependent children may even be eligible for coverage for 18 to 36 months. Contact your former employer for details. Additionally, if you are still not

convert your group policy to a non-group policy. The costs of these plans vary, and some

Financial Assistance section for more information on Ohio Works First.

Healthy Start

care to uninsured infants and children birth to 19 years. To apply, call the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at (800) 324-8680.

Medicare and Medicaid Medicare is a federally-funded health insurance program administered by the Social Security

may also be eligible if they have been a federal, state or local government employee for a

Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213

Medicare(800) 633-4227

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These clinics provide free diagnosis and treatment for minor illnesses to adults and children

services, see Community Health Care Facilities section).

Columbus Free ClinicOSU Rardin Family Practice Center2231 North High Street 43201Suite 103

Physicians Free ClinicColumbus Medical Association240 Parsons Avenue 43215240-7430Walk-in at 4:30p Mon.

Vineyard Free Medical ClinicVineyard Church of Columbus171 East Fifth Avenue 43201890-0000Walk-in at 6:30p Wed. Appointment required for eye and dental clinic.

Vineyard6000 Cooper RoadWesterville, 43081259-5428Appointment call Friday 9-11 a.m.

Community Health Care Facilitiesand other services.

Columbus Neighborhood Health Center, Inc. (CNHC) Administration600 West Spring Street 43215645-5500 8a-5p Mon-Fri Appointment required. Sliding fee scale. Serves all ages. Accepts Medicaid, Medicare and CareSource. Vision and dental services at East Central Family Health Center site only.

East Central Health Center 1180 East Main Street 43205 645-5535

2500 Sullivant Avenue 43204 645-2300

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1500 East 17th Avenue 43219 645-2700

3781 S. High St. 43207 645-3163Northeast Health Center

3433 Agler Road 43219 Suite 2800 645-1600

Access Health Columbus884-2441 ext 212 9a-4p Mon-Fri

transportation.

Latino Health Alliance/La Clinica Latina OSU Rardin Family Practice Center2231 North High StreetColumbus, Ohio 43201293-9906 24 hours Mon-Sun Voice mail

services and ongoing care for Spanish-speaking adults and children. In addition, dental

Dental Care

at a reduced cost or on a sliding fee scale.

Columbus Health Department240 Parsons Avenue 43215(614) 645-7487 8:00a-5:00p Mon-FriCall for an appointment.

OSU Medical Center, Department of Dentistry305 West 12th AvenueColumbus, Ohio 43210(614) 292-2751

Columbus Neighborhood Health Center, Inc. (CNHC) See Community Health Care Facilities section.

Vineyard Dental ClinicVineyard Church of Columbus171 East Fifth Avenue890-0000 ext 6340 Appointment Required.

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Vineyard6000 Cooper RoadWesterville, 43081259-5428 for appointment

Latino Health Alliance/La Clinica LatinaSee Community Health Care Facilities section.

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Dental Options 233-6388

PO Box 408

(866) 923-7879

Rx for Ohio172 East State Street 43215Suite 410(877) 794-6446 9a-6p Mon-Fri

P.O. Box 800729Balch Springs, Texas 75180(866) 353-3763

Medhelp of Ohio2400 Briggs Road 43223Suite 1(614) 274-9917 10a-6p Mon-Fri Call for appointment.

Access Health Columbus61 Jefferson Ave 43215 (614) 884-2441

Serves limited zip codes 43205, 43206, 43207, 43215, 43222, and 43223.

Medicare Part D Prescription Assistance1-800-633-422724 hours Mon-Sun

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If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for health care assistance through the Veterans Af-fairs clinic. For information, contact:

Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic 543 Taylor Avenue 43203 (614) 257-5200

LEGAL SERVICES

Legal Assistance

For assistance contact:

Capital University Legal Clinic 303 East Broad Street 43215 (614) 236-6245 Aug-May

Columbus Bar Association 175 South Third Street 4321511th Floor

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio 67 Jefferson Avenue 43215Second Floor(614) 228-7191

Legal Aid Society of Columbus 40 West Gay Street 43215 (614) 224-8374 Appointments

COPING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT-

ings of sadness, anger, depression, fear or lack of energy. These feelings are natural and

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Counseling Services

may choose to visit a professional for an objective opinion. If feelings of anxiety and depression continue over an extended period of time, it is advisable for you to seek help. For an appointment, call:

Concord, Inc. North Central Mental Health Services(614) 882-9338 (614) 299-6600

Columbus Area, Inc. North Community Counseling Services(614) 252-0711 (614) 846-2588

(614) 888-9200 (614) 457-7876

Dublin Counseling Center Ridge Counseling Center(614) 889-5722 (614) 273-0297

Life Counseling Services Sounding Board Counseling Center(614) 239-9965 (614) 231-1164

Lighthouse Counseling Services Southeast, Inc(614) 337-1986 (614) 225-0990

hour crisis hotline at (614) 276-2273

When facing a period of unemployment, your childcare needs may change. When returning

locating and selecting a childcare program, including day care centers, school age pro-grams, summer camps, in-home care and nursery schools, call:

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Action for Children78 Jefferson Avenue 43215 (614) 224-0222

cover the cost of childcare. Apply for Title XX, a childcare subsidy, at the nearest FCDJFS Opportunity Center.

Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (FCDJFS)

80 East Fulton Street 43215 (614) 462-4000

Volunteering

FIRSTLINK has information on more than 2,100 ongoing and special event volunteer opportunities. Search online under Volunteer Opportunities or call for

JOB SEARCH TIPSThink positively. If you are fully committed to your job search, then you are no longer

local career center, or access online resources that outline important steps in the job search,

com, and

AssessmentBefore seeking employment, start by assessing your present skills and talents. The purpose is to identify your values, interests, skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals. Most

career personality test.

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on your personality type and aptitude. Remember that the results indicate your talents, but

resources.

Job Information Sources

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Resume

Career Counseling

Career counseling is especially helpful if you are considering a career change or have been

Networking Worksheet

COLLEAGUES Former Employers Educators

CHURCH CONTACTS FRIENDS RELATIVES

CLASSMATES NEIGHBORS LEISURE/CLUB CONTACTS

ACCONTANTS/BANKERS GOVERNMENT LAWYERS

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370 South Fifth Street, Suite G1 43215849-0028

Center of Vocational Alternatives (COVA)3770 North High Street 43214294-7117

Walk-in for orientation at 1:30p Tue, Thu. Appointments are optional.

Career Clothing

2100 Morse Rd. 614-583-0400

358 S. Hamilton Rd. 614-476-6177

1729 Brice Road 43068(614) 866-1680Walk-in 10a-7p Wed and 10a-noon Sat.

Westside Free Store3030 Sullivant Avenue 43204351-5480

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Job Search Log

COMPANY contact/interviewer

action steps/results

date

Interviewing

success.

2009 POVERTY GUIDELINESALL STATES (EXPECT ALASKA AND HAWAII) AND D.C.

ANNUAL GUIDELINESPERCENT OF POVERTY GUIDELINE

FamilySize 100% 120% 135% 150% 175% 185% 200% 250%

1 10,830.00 12,996.00 14,620.50 16,245.00 18,952.50 20,035.50 21,660.00 27,660.002 14,570.00 17,484.00 19,669.50 21,855.00 25,497.50 26,954.50 29,140.00 36,425.003 18,310.00 21,972.00 24,718.50 27,465.00 32,042.50 33,873.50 36,620.00 45,775.004 22,050.00 26,460.00 29,767.50 33,075.00 38,587.50 40,792.50 44,100.00 55,125.005 25,790.00 30,948.00 34,816.50 38,685.00 45,132.50 47,711.50 51,580.00 64,476.006 29,530.00 35,436.00 39,865.50 44,295.00 51,677.50 54,630.50 59,060.00 73,825.007 33,270.00 39,924.00 44,914.50 49,905.00 58,222.50 61,549.50 66,540.00 83,175.008 37,010.00 44,412.00 49,963.50 55,515.00 64,767.50 68,468.50 74,020.00 92,525.00

For family units of more than 8 members, add $3,740 for each additional member.

MONTHLY GUIDELINESPERCENT OF POVERTY GUIDELINE

FamilySize 100% 120% 135% 150% 175% 185% 200% 250%

1 902.50 1,083.00 1,218.38 1,353.75 1,579.38 1,669.63 1,805.00 2,256.252 1,217.17 1,457.00 1,639.13 1,821.25 2,124.79 2,246.21 2,428.33 3,035.423 1,525.83 1,831.00 2,059.88 2,288.75 2,670.21 2,822.79 3,051.67 3,814.584 1,837.50 2,205.00 2,480.63 2,756.25 3,215.63 3,399.38 3,675.00 4,593.755 2,149.17 2,579.00 2,901.38 3,223.75 3,761.04 3,975.96 4,298.33 5,372.926 2,460.83 2,953.00 3,322.13 3,691.25 4,306.46 4,552.54 4,921.67 6,152.087 2,772.50 3,327.00 3,742.88 4,158.75 4,851.88 5,129.13 5,545.00 6,931.258 3,084.17 3,701.00 4,163.63 4,626.25 5,397.29 5,705.71 6,168.33 7,710.42

Produced by: CMSO/DEHPG/DEEODerived from poverty guidelines as publishes in the Federal Register on January 23,2009