It’s impossible to avoid hearing about the economy. News about struggling companies is splashed across the front page of just about every paper in America. The president’s stimulus plan is the top topic — no, the only topic — on talk radio. And depressing numbers keep flowing from state and federal labor agencies.

Perhaps the most difficult reality is the growing number of unemployed workers. With more than a half million people nationally losing their jobs in January and about 3,000 people unemployed right here in Lee County, many people are facing difficult obstacles. Affording food and other essentials. Needing low-cost medical care or legal advice. Finding some way to purchase a home.

Things will turn around eventually. But, for many people, the problem is what to do today. If you need help — or know someone who does — there are groups throughout Lee County dedicated to serving their neighbors in need.

The place to begin looking is North Carolina 211, a multilingual information and referral service that connects people with services in their community. By placing a phone call to 211, day or night, you can talk with an operator who will suggest where to call locally. More than 750 connections were made last year between Lee County people and services, thanks to a list of corporate sponsors who pay for our participation in the statewide network.

If you have no immediate need, but are planning for some difficult months ahead, here are some steps you can take.

Know what financial resources you have available. This includes the obvious ones — checking and savings accounts, for example — but also less-obvious sources like stocks and bonds, pension and retirement plans, unemployment and medical benefits, and the cash value of life insurance policies.

Plan a realistic budget and stick to it. Everyone talks about a household budget, but you’d probably be surprised how few people actually have one — or ever have. When finances are tight, it’s not good enough to sketch out some broad goals. Your detailed plan should begin with the essential needs — food, shelter, clothing and medical care — and then include other expected expenses.

Most people who do a budget for the first time are shocked when they realize how much money used to disappear. A few dollars for a drive-thru mocha. A few dollars more for an impulse purchase at the register. During the course of a month, it can add up to a life insurance payment or a couple tanks of gas.

Stop using credit. Not only will you end up owing less in the long run, but you can begin reducing your monthly payments and interest.

Consider refinancing loans. With interest rates generally low, you could save quite a bit by refinancing your car, mortgage or bank loans. Some mortgage borrowers with higher interest rates may actually be able to reduce their payments and reduce the length of a loan. Just keep in mind that home values in many areas have declined, and that could have an effect on your options.

Contact creditors and service providers, if your situation becomes serious. Particularly given our tough economic times, many mortgage lenders, utility companies and creditors will work with you through programs to avoid foreclosure or help devise alternative payment plans.

Use all options to find employment or qualify for unemployment benefits. One place to find help is the local North Carolina Employment Security Commission office at 1909 Lee Avenue in Sanford. The organization also offers “Real Life Tips” for unemployed workers on the Web at www.ncesc.com/RLT_Version_2.pdf.

When faced with a personal crisis, it’s tempting to shut everyone out and hide. But that rarely helps at all, and certainly not here — where all sorts of caring volunteers are ready to provide help when you need it most.