Help For Hard Times

Unemployment, even temporary, is an extremely difficult experience. Knowing where to turn and how to take control of your situation can help reduce the impact on you and your family. These are some tips for help in hard times.

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Getting Started:  Explore your unemployment benefits and options- some may be time sensitive.

Unemployment Benefits
Texas Workforce Commission: Like many states across the nation, the Texas Workforce Commission is experiencing a high call volume. You can apply for benefits online at the following link: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.html

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers from the Texas Workforce Commission on how to apply for benefits, click on the following link: https://services.twc.state.tx.us/UBS/changeLocale.do?language=en&country=US&page=/afbfaq.do

Local Texas Workforce Office Locations:  

Corpus Christi
Phone Number:  (361) 882-7491
Fax Number:  (361) 883-7846
Physical Address: 520 N Staples St
Corpus Christi, TX 78401-2414

Corpus Christi
Phone Number:  (361) 882-7491
Fax Number: (361) 906-1804
Physical Address: 5858 S Padre Island Dr.
Corpus Christi, TX  78412

1. Prepare a household budget:
   make sure it is realistic and allows for basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Be sure to include anticipated expenses such as quarterly insurance premiums and holiday spending.
2. List your assets
3. Set priorities:
   If your income does not cover all of your bills, be sure to pay the following first and in this order: 1) Rent 2) Utilities 3) Food 4) Transportation
4. Make a list of creditors
5. Notify your creditors and stay in touch:
   Protect yourself by notifying your mortgage holder or your landlord, your utility providers and any creditor
6. Pay what you can: **Important Tip**  Don't ignore your mail! Ignoring government agency inquiries or creditor requests for information may make things worse. If you don't understand notices or bills sent to you, call the person who sent the bill.
7. Stop credit purchases
8. Reduce household expenses:
   Cancel unnecessary purchases/services. This includes cable TV, magazine subscriptions, etc.
9. Sell what you don't need:
   If you need income for living expenses, consider selling items such as extra cars, motorcycles, collectibles, garage sale items, etc.
10. Check into other financial resources
    

Find Employment

Texas Workforce Commission: www.twc.state.tx.us/customers/jsemp/jsempsub1.html

Corpus Christi Caller Times: www.caller.com/hotjobs

Monster: www.monster.com

Career Builder: www.careerbuilder.com

Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend: www.workforcesolutionscb.org

Health Insurance It is vital to maintain health insurance coverage for you and your family in the midst of unemployment. Without insurance, even a minor illness can mean great financial hardship for your family. For continued medical and dental coverage following job loss, check with your former employer about COBRA coverage. Here are other health related websites:

State of Texas Health Insurance Options: http://www.texashealthoptions.com/cp/unemployed.html

Children's Health Insurance:  http://www.chipmedicaid.com/english/index.htm

E- Health Insurance http://www.ehealthinsurance.com

click here. For a list of participating Coastal Bend Pharmacies, click here.

Pfizer Helpful Answers Prescription Medications:  Click here for details.

Credit Counseling Credit counseling is available at the following United Way funded partner agency:

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of South Texas
1706 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi TX 78416
(361) 854-4357 - (800)333-4357

 Foreclosure Prevention The Homeownership Preservation Foundation HOPE Hotline can assist homeowners before a foreclosure. HOPE Hotline:1-888-995-HOPE or www.995hope.org

 Union Members

If you are a union member, additional resources may be available to you. Contact your steward or union office. Local Food Pantries - Corpus Christi
Abundant Life Church, 9550 Leopard St., 241-4460
All Saints Episcopal Church, 3026 S. Staples, 855-6294
Bishop Community Center, 301-B West Main St., 584-3280
Brooks AME Worship Center, 2101 North Port Avenue, 884-5109
Catholic Charities, 1322 Comanche, Corpus Christi, 884-0651
Christian Care Center, 3875 S. Staples, 853-1868
Christian Family Center, 3303 Navajo, 510-1815
Church of Acts, 3811 Carroll Lane, 852-3551
Dorcas Food Pantry, 6645 Downey 510-0419
Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House of Corpus Christi, 210 S. Carrizo St., 888-8467
El Pan Diario, 3126 Gollihar, 855-2501
First Baptist Church, 3115 Ocean Dr., 888-8228
Gateway Christian Center, 925 Naval Air Station Dr. 937-5494
Kelsey Memorial Methodist, 1610 Comanche 882-9533
Metro Ministries. Loaves & Fishes, 1919 Leopard St., 887-0151
Metropolitan Community Church - Dale Locher Food Pantry, 501 S. Staples, 882-8255
Most Precious Blood Church, 3502 Saratoga, 854-3800
Nueces County Community Action: 883-7201
Nueces County Dept. of Human Services, 103 N. 6th St.
Our Lady of Pilar, 1101 Bloomington 852-6327
Seventh Day Adventis Church, 2217 Sarita, 334-2273
Solid Rock, 3035 Ayers, 887-6465
SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic, 5013 Hakel, 853-7371
St. John Baptist, 5445 Greenwood
St. John’s United Methodist,5300 S. Alameda, 991-4342
St. Joseph Church, 710 19th St., 882-7912
St. Patrick’s Church, 3350 S. Alameda, 855-7392
St. Peter Prince of the Apostle, 3901 Violet, 241-3249
Timon’s Ministries, 10501 SPID, 939-9533
Wesley Community Center, 4015 McArthur, 880-8300

Local Food Pantries - Surrounding Areas
Community Presbyterian Church, 129 S. Alister, Port Aransas, TX 749-4506
First Baptist Church, 311 E. 5th St. Bishop, TX 584-3546
Robstown, TX 78380 (361) 767-2731
St. Anthony’s Social Service, 117 E. Main, Robstown, TX 387-3467
Wesley Community Center, 414 Matiana Ortiz, Robstown, TX 387-1451