The worst downturn since the 30's has brought tremendous pressure on Ohio’s social service agencies. The latest data shows the pain has clearly spread to suburbia.
The same middle class people who supported charities are now asking them for help to put food on the table and pay for other basics. Requests for help with utility bills have more than doubled. How are those agencies keeping up? And how will the state continue to fund unemployment benefits?
Join Regina Brett as she explores the needs of the middle class in this special "Help Wanted" edition of the Sound of Ideas.
Stephen Wertheim, Director, United Way 211/First Call for Help
Lori Magyar, Client Coordinator, Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services
Michael Gerson, Received Support from the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland
Douglas Lumpkin, Director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services