Snow-shoveling program created to help the unemployed

ELKHART COUNTY ‒ The recent heavy snows are presenting an opportunity for some unemployed people to make a little money. WSBT recently told you about a group called “Elkhart County Works Together.” It tries to find temporary jobs to help the unemployed make ends meet. The group has come up with an idea to deal with the snow. It's actually a pretty simple idea that provides a temporary income for those out of a job, and can help residents keep their sidewalks clear. The group now has a list of 46 people who will shovel sidewalks for a small fee. It has set up a skills bank on the Web where the unemployed can list the different skills they have. Homeowners and businesses then can go online to contact them for temporary work. Maynard Frey was hired to clean sidewalks in the downtown area. “It could be a good opportunity to get more work, and at least a little bit more of an income," she said. “The skills bank gives people the opportunity to generate money they need to meet their basic needs,” said David Schrock-Shenk, founder of Elkhart County Works Together.” Now the group has people available in Goshen, Elkhart, Middlebury, Nappanee, and Milford who will shovel sidewalks for small fee. Goshen recently adopted a resolution asking residents to be good samaritans and clear their sidewalks when needed. Elkhart recently passed a city ordinance that requires their residents to do so. The hope is that people in both communities may want to use group members to clear their walks. For more information, e-mail info@ecwt.org or contact David Schrock-Shenk at 574-534-0903.