Relief in the storm

Nearly four weeks into the pandemic, the focus has turned more strongly than ever to the need for unemployment relief, as labor departments in each state work to get unemployment benefits to those who so desperately need them.

In Vermont, more than 70,000 people have filed claims in the last month alone, into an system that usually sees 2-percent unemployment. Vermont's jobless rate is soaring over 20 percent.

These thousands continue to see bills stack up and their cash dwindle as many approach a full month with zero income.

"I'm hearing from constituents mainly about unemployment," said Windsor County Sen. Dick McCormack, of Bethel. "They're fearful, and they're generally not outraged, but I'm getting a few that are."

McCormack mentioned one person who called the labor department over 200 times about jobless benefits but could not get through — a common experience in Vermont during these times. Some people who filed for benefits successfully in late March have yet to receive a check. Meanwhile, the state is working to finalize a contract with a third-party call center to help free up the bottleneck, so the labor department can process claims more quickly.

Hopefully, once that contract is enacted, the process smooths out and unemployment checks can be sent more quickly. And it's worth pointing out, the issue has not been one of quality help. Amid this unprecedented need for those benefits, people who get through to the other end of the phone line report kind and helpful assistance from the department.

As the need increases every day for relief, some local funds have been created in Vermont towns to help fill the gaps, such as Woodstock Area Relief Fund, or WARF. This new fund, administered by the Woodstock Community Trust, is meant to provide immediate and timely help for impacted individuals and families in the greater Woodstock area, who are struggling to meet basic household needs. Specifically, that area includes Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock. WARF saw 38 applicants in its first day of existence. Generous donors have stepped up to support the fund, reminding us what a supportive community we have, locally and as a state.

As we press on through these challenges, we can look to examples like this for reassurance that, eventually, we will find our way through these difficult weeks as a community, supporting one another.

— Gareth Henderson