In the wake of last week's report of rising unemployment, here's a reminder about a San Francisco program that uses stimulus funds to help certain jobless parents find work.
The program, called Jobs Now, offers private and nonprofit employers a 100 percent wage subsidy until next September if they hire San Francisco residents who:
-- Have at least one minor child.
-- Are unemployed.
-- Meet certain household income requirements.
For instance, if one spouse is out of work and the couple has two children, the family can earn up to $3,675 a month and still be eligible for a wage subsidy to the unemployed adult.
Noelle Simmons, with the San Francisco Human Services Agency, said the parent being subsidized must live in San Francisco, but the person can work for an employer in another city or county.
Bay Area employers who want to learn how they can take part or San Francisco parents who want to check their eligibility can call (877) 562-1669 or visit www.sfhsa.org.
Other counties are developing similar wage subsidy programs intended for jobless parents in their own jurisdictions.
These programs will all tap into about $300 million to $400 million in stimulus funds being channeled through the state, according to Frank Mecca of the County Welfare Directors Association.
For instance, Alameda and Santa Clara counties are offering an 80 percent wage subsidy for county residents who are eligible for assistance under CalWORKS, as the state's welfare program is known, and are preparing to open eligibility to other unemployed parents who meet income guidelines set by federal law.
Details and eligibility will vary by county, and there is no clearinghouse for information because the programs are so new.
The stimulus funding that makes these wage subsidies possible expires Sept. 30, 2010.
Simmons said San Francisco has 300 people in its program already and aims to enroll more workers and employers.