Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES), which is charged with helping people find work and handling unemployment claims, has had difficulty processing more claims than it can handle, Mississippi Today reported. Congress approved a $600 increase in weekly unemployment benefits. However, many Mississippians who are eligible can’t reach the state’s office because they don’t know how to get to them. From March 15 through May 2, the department received 222,000 initial claims. Mississippi Today reports on the number of claims each Thursday. PeopleShores, an outsourcing technology company based in Silicon Valley, Clarksdale and Horne CPA partnered with MDES and MDES to create a program. The program resulted in the creation of 150 new jobs. According to a news release, 75 of those positions are located in Clarksdale. According to the release, the companies will work together to reduce hold times, get claims in the system quickly, and provide support for those who are affected. “We are grateful to Governor Tate Reeves’ support for this mission. Jackie Turner, executive director at MDES, stated that it was a pleasure to see Horne’s and PeopleShores respond quickly to our needs using their technology and operational expertise. Jon Levingston, the executive director of Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce “applauded” the chance to boost the local economy. He said, “It’s an honor to serve the state and our citizens by helping to have a greater access to unemployment aid.” Murali Vullaganti, PeopleShores’ executive board chair, is a special thanks for his ability recognize and quickly address the critical need to care for Mississippi’s unemployed workers. PeopleShores opened its Clarksdale office in December 2018. It also promised more than 200 jobs in the next two-years. It had already hired 25 people to its first cohort by February 2019. The company announced in May 2019 plans to invest $500,000 in new workers and hire 175 additional. Contact the Clarksdale WIN Job Center if you are interested in filling out an Application._x000D