As state and federal officials yesterday devised a plan to reopen tainted fishing grounds, men and women thrown out of work by the oil spill were lining up for emergency funds to help feed their families, pay rent and stay in business.
Officials there expect more to come in the days ahead.
With men stacking up in the waiting area, Caporelli began an ad-hoc seminar in emergency loans and unemployment eligibility. As the men pull their chairs in around her, Caporelli fielded questions that displayed the range of problems. Some asked how to file a insurance claim. Others wanted to know how soon they would have to pay back the low-interest loans offered. And one asked if emergency funds were available to stave off an eviction.