The number of unemployed people in Horry County rose sharply in November, according to data released from the SC Employment Security Commission.
The numbers are evident at the Coastal Workforce Center in Conway where hundreds waited for unemployment benefits on Friday morning.
"You hear that employment is getting better, but we don't see it," said Mary Nell Smith who runs the center.
In between directing employees and helping the unemployed with interviewing skills, Smith took a minute to reflect on the clients she serves.
"I've never seen people so scared. They just don't know what's going to happen tomorrow," said Smith who's worked for the SCESC for 25 years.
Close to 100 people packed the center Friday morning and waited to collect unemployment or look through job listings.
"Christmas is coming. We don't have money, and I'm just not used to it," said Elaine Lainey whose husband lost his construction job one year ago.
Lainey had a stroke three years ago and is on disability. She says she and her family are getting by, but it's getting tougher.
"If he could just find work, it'd be great. Because without money, you can't live," Lainey said
For Ashley Washington, the past two years have been just as tough. He lost his job working in a warehouse and hasn't found suitable work since.
"A lot of the employers feel like they don't have to pay you much, and if you don't take it, somebody else will," Washington said as he left the center with his latest benefits check.
The center's director, Mary Nell Smith, said the crowds are larger than ever, but they're especially large this week because of the recent federal benefits extension.
Close to 1,400 unemployed people in Horry County received information about the extension, and most of them will be eligible. Smith said they all want to get paid -- or better yet, find work -- before the holidays.
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