Father Blaine Hammond of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church has been in Ben Lomond for nearly a year, and during that time, the economy in California and the rest of the country has been in shambles.
“One of the problems I run into wherever I go is unemployment,” Hammond said.
His wife is unemployed, and many members of his congregation face unemployment, as well. The church supports Valley Churches United Missions, a nonprofit that distributes food and other help to families and individuals, many of whom are likewise unemployed or underemployed — they have a job, but only part-time, or in a field that doesn’t make use of their skills.
In response, Hammond has started a support group where people can share their experiences and maybe find some answers.
“I knew nothing about starting a group like this,” Hammond said. “I went online and discovered, ‘Just get folks together.’ You don’t need a leader; you just need a place to come. I learned that if they need it, the people will come.”
Hammond, too, has been unemployed several times and hopes gathering people together will alleviate some of the pressure job seekers face.
“I can’t think of any harder and lonelier work than looking for a job,” he said.
The first meeting for the group will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 11, at St. Andrews, 101 Riverside Ave., in Ben Lomond.
Unemployment has struck Barry Holtzclaw, a former vice president of communication at a bank. Holtzclaw, a Ben Lomond resident and member of St. Andrews, estimates he sends out 10 to 12 resumes with custom cover letters each week, but the market it competitive.
“When you’re out of work, you’re a piece of paper. It’s not about skill,” Holtzclaw said. “People hire whole people. The challenge is to break past being a ‘nonperson.’”
According to California’s job figures, unemployment in Santa Cruz in June amounted to 11.3 percent of the working population — 17,200 of the 153,000 workers in the county.
Holtzclaw said the support he’s received from the church and his faith in God have kept him on track and motivated.
“I’m the same person,” Holtzclaw said. “The challenge is to get past the labels and have confidence.”
Hammond said the support group will be an open forum to share experiences and ideas and to beat the isolation a person who’s been out of work often feels.
“I don’t want it to be just this congregation,” Hammond said. “I want it to be a community resource.”
Another place people can turn is Felton-based Mountain Community Resources, 6134 Highway 9, which offers advocacy services for those without a job. The agency meets individually with those who ask for help and directs them to resources in the county. MCR also has a resume writing center with computers and posts some job openings.
For information: Mountain Community Resources, 335-6600.
At a glance
WHAT: Unemployment and underemployment support group
WHEN: 6 p.m. Aug. 11
WHERE: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., in Ben Lomond
INFO: Blaine Hammond, 336-5994
