Outreach event targets those in need

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — Workers who have lost their jobs or who are having a tough time making ends meet are invited to a community outreach event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave.

The United Auto Workers is organizing the event with assistance from many local and state agencies.

“Tossing a Lifeline to Workers” is free and open to all workers, including those who don’t belong to a union.

Linda Burke, employee assistance representative for UAW Local 1112, said union officials organized the event after thousands of its workers were laid off from the car factory in Lordstown. Many workers, both at Lordstown and elsewhere, are losing their jobs and don’t know where to go for help, she said.

The event is designed to be a one-stop forum for people in need of assistance. More than 40 organizations are to be represented.

Agency representatives will help people in signing up for public assistance or receiving items from food pantries. Assistance also will be given on career development and in finding work.

Several housing counseling agencies will meet one-on-one with distressed homeowners to help them avoid foreclosure. These agencies also specialize in providing advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, credit issues and reverse mortgages.