Freeholders Link People to Information on Coping with Economic Difficulties
For Immediate Release: March 23, 2009
Contacts: KEN SHUTTLEWORTH

Camden County residents facing recession-related problems can obtain help finding solutions with a call or a click to information on job-seeking and coping with home foreclosure, among many other issues.

“This is a collaborative effort with the UOSS, the social services arm of the AFL-CIO, and others,” explained Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “The goal is to direct people in the right direction for help during these hard times.” Cappelli said the link to Camden County Direct can be accessed on the home page of www.camdencounty.com

“Our Hard Times Hotline 1-800-331-7272 helps by providing advice on mortgage foreclosure and federal assistance in obtaining extended health insurance coverage under COBRA, and other benefits, for people who have been laid off,” added Helen Albright, chairwoman of the UOSS board of directors.

“Our goal is to help individuals that have been laid off keep their health benefits coverage, help homeowners on the brink of financial collapse stay in their homes, and connect people in need of food assistance, utility assistance or other forms of economic assistance directly to the programs and agencies that can help,” Ms. Albright added.

The UOSS hotline also provides guidance on emergency food programs, training and employment assistance, financial and credit counseling through New Jersey Consumer Credit Counseling and additional assistance funded through the Economic Stimulus legislative package.

“There is also counseling and family therapy programs for individuals and families stressed out by the impact of the economy on their personal lives,” added Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, who oversees the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services.

“The new website link also includes information on services for the disabled, senior services, continuing education, problems of care-giving for loved ones, health services and how to avoid frauds and scams,” added Freeholder Rodney A. Greco.

In addition to UOSS, Greco said the collaborative effort includes the United Way because of its close association with many non-profit social services agencies and the constituent services offices of Senator Jim Beach.

“Calls seeking help in coping with the hard economic times account for the greatest demand on our service staff,” said Beach, whose district covers 16 suburban communities in Camden County. “Creating this quick referral service will resolve many of the concerns.”

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