McDonald’s seeks to hire 1,224 workers in region

McDonald’s wants to beef up the staffing at its 44 restaurants in the Chattanooga region as it reopens dining rooms and prepares for a busier summer season ahead.

The fast-food chain is trying to hire 8,000 more workers across Tennessee, including another 1,224 in the Chattanooga region.

“Tennessee has had one of the strongest economic recoveries in the country because employers like McDonald’s continue to help Tennesseans get back in the workforce,” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said in an announcement of the hiring plans.

Those looking to work at any area McDonald’s can apply on site any weekday next week with on-the-spot interviews, the company said. McDonald’s said it pays competitive wages and offers flexible hours, job training and career advancement opportunities.

“Our crew members are the people who make our McDonald’s restaurants shine,” said Kerry Hoyle, one of the local McDonald’s franchise restaurants. “We have positions for all ages, from high school students looking for an after-school job to an adult looking for their next career.”

But filling all of those jobs could prove difficult in the current tight labor market with some workers still reluctant to return to work amid the ongoing pandemic and others still getting enhanced

“The number one thing renters can do is make a plan. Accessing those resources is one thing, but make a plan.”

– SUSAN IFILL, COO AT NEIGHBORWORKS AMERICA

program, but in general, the federal relief money is available to those who earn 80% or less of the area median income in their area and have experienced some sort of COVID-related hardship. Preference is given to those with 50% or less of median income for their area.

The application can be made by the household in need or the landlord on behalf of the household. Usually the money will be paid directly to landlords and utility service providers.

However, some landlords may not want to participate because it requires a certain amount of paperwork and some concessions, such as potentially agreeing not to raise the rent or evict the tenant for a period of time.

If a landlord does not wish to participate, funds may be paid directly to the eligible household.

WHERE TO GO

Renters who need help should reach out to their local housing authority to find out if they qualify for federal relief as well as any local aid.

The federal rent relief money is sent to states, U.S. territories, local governments and tribes to administer through programs in their area. However, it took some time for the money to make its way to these organizations.

In Chattanooga, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency is offering rent relief. Renters will need to submit a valid form of identification, rent or lease agreement, proof of income, as well as specific documentation to prove hardship, in order to apply. People can go online to apply or call 844-500-1112.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition President and CEO Diane Yentel said the money from the first round has been distributed and about 60% of communities have programs open, which increases daily. But the money for the second round will not go out until May.

“Help is on the way,” Yentel said.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition keeps track of all the rental assistance programs available on its website. Renters in need can start there to find a program in their area. They can also reach out to the United Way or its 211 program for assistance. People can also talk with a housing counselor with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The FTC, Treasury and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau all have information about rental assistance on their websites

There is some concern demand for help may outstrip supply. So renters should act quickly or check back often if a program is not immediately available in their area. If a renter does not qualify for the federal relief money, they may be able to get help through other programs available in their area.

“The number one thing renters can do is make a plan,” said Susan Ifill, the COO at nonprofit housing organization NeighborWorks America. “Accessing those resources is one thing, but make a plan.”

That could include talking to a housing counselor or working with your landlord to develop a plan to repay rent or finding new housing.

If someone is worried they may be evicted, remember that the national eviction moratorium is still in place until the end of June. Renters will have to complete the paperwork