More than 1.5 million people in Texas have filed for unemployment, as the coronavirus pandemic has left people searching for a way to make ends meet.
Now the state is working to connect workers with unemployment.
Governor Greg Abbott unveiled the Work in Texas website this week to help Texans get back to work. At last check, the website has over 500,000 job listings.
"It makes me depressed, makes me scared. I'm unable to provide for my family," said Erin Hunsucker.
He's faced difficulty since he lost his job in landscaping a month ago.
"Any job beats sitting on your butt doing nothing," he said.
As of March, the Texas Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas says just over 7,000 people were unemployed in Bell County. More than 4,200 were unemployed in Brazos County, while more than 5,000 people were unemployed in McLennan County.
The state has paid out $1.4 billion in unemployment claims.
"Believe it or not, we have half a million jobs available right now," said Governor Abbott during his press conference Tuesday.
The governor launched workintexas.com, where people looking for a job and people who are hiring can connect in one place.
"It's a win-win for both those looking for jobs and the employers that they can link up and get the people back to work as soon as possible," said Russell Devorsky, Executive Director of the Heart of Texas Council of Governments.
Devorsky's organization is helping provide employment.
"We have loans that we make available to small businesses in the area, and by providing employment to individuals, that provides opportunities to the communities," he said.
In these times of uncertainty, it'll take everyone to help the community bounce back from the pandemic.
"People having a job gives them dignity. It gives them pride. It gives them value in their community, and it just makes people happier. Happier people are more productive people," said Devorsky.
If you're still looking for a job, you can also reach out to Work Force Solutions. Their offices are closedm but they can still be reached online or by phone.