When Work One offices were closed and the stay at home order affected the
libraries, restaurants and other sources of free wi-fi, those needing to sign up for
unemployment benefits were left without resources. Fortunately, the United Way
of Marshall County stepped up to help. Three computer labs have been
established in the Plymouth area to allow residents free wi-fi and computer
access. They are located at David’s Courage at 10924 Lincoln Highway East, the
Plymouth Public Library on 201 N. Center St. (enter through the north doors), and
The Monastery of the Martyrs at 1000 S. Michigan Street. “All the computer labs
look differently but will allow our community the access they need to set up
unemployment benefits and file timely,” stated Barbara Holcomb, coordinator of
the computer labs. “It is essential each person schedule a time slot,” she
continued.
The mobile computer lab on S. Michigan St. is a donation by Ameri-Can
Engineering of Argos. Plymouth Community Schools donated three I-pad
computers for use. Work One is allowing David’s Courage to use four of their
computers. And the library has eight computers for use.
“We are opening the doors to the computer labs on Monday, April 20, but it is
essential for clients to schedule a time for their own safety as well as the safety of
the volunteers. All entering the computer labs will be required to wear face
coverings, go through a COVID-19 screening process and abide by the strict safety
policy,” Holcomb announced.
The number to call to schedule computer time in one of the computer labs is
(574)342-9040. Holcomb also emphasized anyone in need should call 211 for
information on available community resources and services. The United Way of
Marshall County website is http://www.marshallcountyuw.org/covid19 where
one can donate or find resources in Marshall County.
