Government aid need rising, as slump continues

[katty]

more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27471280/

By Jasmin Aline Persch
msnbc.com
updated 7:56 a.m. PT, Thurs., Nov. 13, 2008


Jasmin Aline Persch

For a long time, Bill Davis thought he was immune to the economy’s ills.

Davis made a living as a plumber for almost 20 years. Getting by wasn’t always easy because of massive medical bills he’s incurred over the years due to a heart condition present since his childhood. But Davis, of Franklin, Tenn., has managed to support his wife and two teenage girls living paycheck to paycheck without outside help. Until now.

First, Davis lost his job installing plumbing in new homes as the mortgage mess stalled new home construction. He quickly resorted to a job doing plumbing repairs, but last month he was laid off again. Davis got to the point where he could hardly afford food, let alone pay for the cable, cell phone and utility bills.