After more than a year of constant bad economic news, most people in Loudon County appear to be feeling a little shell shocked. What began as a crisis in the housing market quickly devolved into an all out recession. On the heels of that came the news that many banks, most of which were wrapped up in the sub prime mortgage market, were teetering on the brink of insolvency. Some were even mentioning the dreaded "D" word - depression. 

While the sky didn't fall and government officials were able to stave off a complete meltdown of the financial system, ordinary people are still feeling the effects across the nation and Loudon County is no exception. Luckily, there is help available to assist Loudon County families weather the storm.

Good Samaritan Center (GSC) of Loudon County is one of the agencies helping people through hard times. Executive Director Paula Roach reports a large uptick in the number of people coming to the center for help. In 2008 the center assisted 3,200 clients and distributed more than 106,000 pounds of food, assisted 652 families with utility bills and helped 200 clients fill prescriptions. With the recession, 2009 has seen even larger numbers of people looking for help. Between the unemployed, the elderly and people unable to work the need for social services has risen to new heights.

Staffed primarily with volunteers, Roach said the GSC is always looking for more contributions, donations and volunteers to meet the ever growing needs in the county. With most of the state and the nation reporting unemployment rates hovering at 10 percent, she said a real concern is people who have used up their unemployment compensation. People in that situation can find themselves homeless very quickly. 

Roach said there are reports of a tent city being set up at a local campground - reminiscent of scenes from the Great Depression. Roach recounted the story of a woman who refused to go to a shelter because they wouldn't let her bring her terminally ill dog. This woman, dog in tow, is now residing in a tent at the campground. 

Roach said the most frightening part of the story is that a lot of people are in nearly as bad a situation but they are in denial about it. "Every one of us knows someone in this situation," she said. Judy Howell, who is the client services manager at GSC, noted that most people find it "hard to ask for help" and said many people believe "it could never happen to me." Howell also noted that people in Loudon County are very proud.  "We know what pride it takes - it's hard to ask for help," Howell added. 

Roach said that while the center does help a lot of unemployed people, they also help people in the county who are under employed - people who are working but don't make enough to pay all their bills. She noted that many are able to pay their rent and utilities but find themselves in the lurch for groceries and medicine. The Good Samaritan Center looks to fill those gaps. That takes the time of volunteers and the money of donors. 

In order to try to meet the needs of  county residents Roach explained that the center has expanded their hours and is now open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center has also expanded its hours on Thursdays and will be open 3:30  to 6:30 p.m. The center also has needs beyond time and money - they are desperately looking for a truck to distribute and transport donated goods as well as a storage shed in order for them to expand and "keep up with needs."

To donate time, money or goods to the Good Samaritan Center call them at 986-1777 or visit their Web site www.goodsamloudoncounty.org. They are always in need of donations and Roach hopes that everyone will remember the center during the holiday season and after the new year when needs will remain. Roach describes the people who volunteer and donate to the center as "a God send and a blessing" and with their help the center will continue to be a source of hope for Loudon County residents struggling in this tough economic climate. 

Organizations like the Good Samaritan Center are making strides to help people cope with the effects of joblessness and hunger, the best medicine is an economic recovery. While no one can predict exactly when the recession will end, there are some signs that the economy is gaining strength. 

Loudon County Economic Development Agency President Pat Phillips said that job loses were what hit the county the hardest and it's not over yet. "I think we have several more months of tough times ahead of us. There are some indicators that show we are slowing down in terms of the loss of jobs so that is good," he said adding some companies are still laying off workers but fewer and at a slower rate. "A lot of companies are retrenching and that may last longer than we'd like to see."

Overall the economy is showing signs of improvement. "It's still slow but the market has picked up considerably in the last few months and that's a good indication," Phillips said. While some indicators are positive, Phillips cautions there are still problems. "We're going to have some tough times at the state level," he said explaining shortfalls in the state budget will trickle down to Loudon County. He said he feels the problem is the state coffers "being so heavily dependant on sales tax as a major source of revenue for the state." The slow economy has lead to a dip in sales tax revenues which will be felt in the county and is already being felt by the county school system which received less state money than anticipated leading to cuts in the school budget. On a positive note, Phillips said there has been an increase in existing home sales being reported around the country. 

Phillips said he is cautiously optimistic the housing market will start picking up and the economic turnaround will gain momentum. He said the most long lasting positive effect of the recession may well be a "long term change in personal attitudes about purchasing. If you look at the savings rate it has increased significantly over the past few years- a good sign."  If people follow the example of their parents and grandparents who lived through the Great Depression, all the current suffering may be worth it in the long run. "Long term we'll probably have a stronger economy," Phillips concluded but he added we have "another six to 12 more months before we get this behind us."