While some agencies are just getting by thanks to volunteers, others have closed their doors and lost workers. Now they're not sure they'll be able to attract them back once the budget crisis finally gets solved.
Workers were out of a job after and Independent living facility closed temporarily in Sterling, Illinois. It was almost three months ago when the Executive Director for the Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living had to deliver bad news to clients and employees. With no state budget passed, the agency was forced to temporarily close and lay off eight people.
"We can`t send in any of the expenses. We can`t occur any expenses," said Executive Director, Michele Miller.
Erik Winters was only working at the agency for a month before being laid off.
"Took me close to five to six months to find a full-time job, then to finally find one that I liked, to have it taken away after a month was kind of disheartening," said Winters.
After six weeks of being unemployed and the future unknown for the agency, Winters a husband and a father of two had to find employment somewhere.
"I was lucky enough to find another job, having a friend that`s a general manager," said Winters.
He's now working two jobs, one as a customer service rep at TitleMax. Winters is calling on lawmakers to get a budget passed, "Just wish the state would get their act in order. It's been almost three months now and they`re no further along then they were in June."
The agency has reopened, since there's a greater need for service in the fall. However, they're running on reserves only, so once that's gone they will have to close again.