US jobless claims remain high at 712,000 as virus escalates
Thursday's report from the Labor Department said that initial claims for jobless aid dropped from 787,000 the week before. Before the virus paralyzed the economy in March, the number of people applying for unemployment benefits each week had typically amounted to roughly 225,000. "Thanksgiving seasonals likely explain the drop'' in jobless claims last week, Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote in a research note. The total number of people who are continuing to receive traditional state unemployment benefits declined to 5.5 million from 6.1 million. But it also indicates that many of the unemployed have used up their state benefits, which typically expire after six months.
โDemand has increased exponentiallyโ: Food banks ask for donations, volunteers in Houston area
HOUSTON โ The demand for volunteers and donations at food pantries throughout Greater Houston has โincreased exponentially" ahead of the holidays, the Houston Food Bank said. During the pandemic, many food pantries have reported that demand has doubled or even tripled. The Houston Food Bank said the organization, which partners with 1,500 providers throughout the 18-county region, is most in need of volunteers and cash donations. โSo many families are hungry, not eating, need food,โ said Marilyn Price, who volunteers with the Houston Food Bank several times per week. The food bank began twice a week mass distributions in March, which have continued until now.
Wendell Champion says he is alternative to US Rep. Jackson Lee
Wendell Champion is a West Point graduate who says his leadership is whatโs needed now in the 18th Congressional District after 25 years of representation by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. She says her time as a drug court judge opened her eyes. โI mean I literally saw miracles happen in that courtroom every day.โAnderson says 70% of drug court graduates have never been re-arrested. Brighter Bites fight against food insecurityLisa Helfman is a co-founder of Brighter Bites, founded in Houston to help provide healthy food to students. More informationWendell Champion, (R) Candidate, 18th Congressional DistrictLisa Helfman, Founder, Board Chair, Brighter BitesDevon Anderson, President & CEO Justice Forward
Help feed Houston
KPRC 2 is joining Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman and his Alexโs Army effort to raise $2 million to help feed Houston-area residents experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis. Proceeds raised through Bregman's FEEDHOU campaign will directly benefit the Houston Food Bank, a non-profit committed to feeding the hungry in the Houston area. Here at KPRC 2, weโve been working with our audience to Help Feed Houston, raising more than $50,000. If you are healthy and want to make an impact, the Houston Food Bank needs you! WATCH: Alex Bregman and fiancee Reagan Howard talk about their partnership with the Houston Food Bank on KPRCโs Houston Life.
Houston Food Bank, Cy-Hope feeds thousands in need at free food distribution in Cypress
CYPRESS โ From across the Houston area, people showed up in droves to the Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress. Thousands in need received food donations at the Houston Super Neighborhood Distribution site, organized by the Houston Food Bank and Cy-Hope, a local nonprofit organization. Once a vehicle made it to the distribution site, the driver lined up, and the staff provided 25 pounds of produce, 35 pounds of protein, and other items such as beef stew and bread. "Fifty percent of children that attend Cypress ISD get free and reduced lunch," said Nicole Lander of the Houston Food Bank. The Cypress food distribution site is open every Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Organizers said the drive continues as long as there is demand, and the property owner, Simon Properties, allows them to use the space.