It is getting harder to deal with this economic crisis in places where there at least some employment opportunities.  Imagine living an area where the businesses are just leaving or downsizing so much that the chances of getting work are nearly impossible.  Such is the case in a small county in North Carolina.  In the little town of Spruce Pine, the unemployment rate is not just a problem, it is nearing catastrophe.  One couple shared their story of struggle with CNN.  They both have lost their jobs.  He returned to school to get his GED and then got new job training.  In his new field of expertise, he got a job again, only to lose it quickly due to downsizing.  She has also taken the learning a new skill route, but has little hope of finding employment.

Their county has just over 15,000 residents, two thousand of which have lost their jobs within the last 3 years.  The mill that once employed a large number of the residents, now serves as a food pantry.  The organizer of the pantry says that it is barely meeting the needs of the community as the jobless rate skyrockets.  The town has decided to take some action, though.  They are preparing to become a tourist attraction by selling locally crafted goods.  The leaders believe that this will breathe new life into a dying community.  They only hope that the people can hold on until business starts coming in.