BEAUMONT - By Megan Dillard - The Labor Department released its final snapshot of the nation's job numbers before Election Day this coming Tuesday.
Last month, U.S. employers added 171,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate grew to 7.9%, up one-tenth of a point from September.
Analysts say the increased rate is because more jobs are available.
People who had previously given up on looking for work are now back in the market, on the job hunt. KFDM spoke with a man four months into his job search.
He hopes to take advantage of super storm Sandy by finding work and helping Americans in need.
Charlie Hampton reads a list of job openings at the Texas Workforce Solutions Office in Beaumont.
The construction worker and painter spends hours here each week.
His last job ended in July.
"Sometimes it can be frustrating, but you have to continue to look. The very day you decide not to go could be the very day that job could be yours."
Hampton says the Labor Department's new job report motivates him.
"If you look at the unemployment numbers across the nation, they say there are no jobs. When there are no jobs, you have to continue to look."
And he's not only looking in this area.
"Going on this clean-up job will give me an opportunity to see America."
He's talking about the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
"To see people come from another state, or right down the street, to give them a helping hand and say, 'Hey, I'm here for you.' That's like music."
"FEMA will be there, and of course, just like when we had Ike, they'll come through and clean-up crews will come in."
Robert Foster of Workforce Solutions agrees.
The storm clean-up provides an opportunity for those who qualify to help with the recovery.
Much like what Southeast Texas saw after Hurricane Ike.
"When Ike was here, I was driving around. You'd see Michigan, Pennsylvania. All the different license plates that were coming down here to assist and clean up. That's their major job is to go and help clean up major disaster areas."
Whether Hampton is hired to clean up after Hurricane Sandy or finds something here; he's sure he has what it takes.
"It is reassuring. A little stroke of confidence. You kind of walk with your chest out, knowing that you've done everything it takes to get the job." Accepting a job that will mean one less listing at this office.
"Have to keep looking. Have to provide for the family. The sun shines every day. Gotta get up each and every morning with your little teaspoon of faith. This is my day to get a job."
A company will interview people looking for storm clean up work tomorrow in Beaumont from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Melton Building on Sarah Street.
U.S. Labor Report; unemployed Southeast Texans looking for work after Hurricane SandyRelated Stories
- More Texas News
- National News
- International News
- Hundreds remember dead Texas cheerleader
- Texas police nab suspect in postal worker's death
- Texas bill would drastically revamp water agency
- Dallas suburb solar panel fight exposes problems
- Houston man shot in head trying to help woman
- Man shot dead at north Houston restaurant
- Memorial for dead Texas cheerleader set for Sunday
- Here is the latest Texas sports news from The Associated Press
- Winning numbers drawn in Powerball jackpot
- Last-minute fortune seekers buy Powerball tickets
- Split-second choice ended with NY student dead
- BC ceremony notable for who will attend, who won't
- Civil rights trial on NYPD tactic closing
- NY town eyes limit on use of Plum Island
- United to restart 787 flights on Monday
- US gas prices up 11 cents over past 2 weeks
- 10 Things to Know for Monday
- Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Awards
- US adviser on board of firm that sold anthrax drug
- Eds: With AP Photos.
- Aid group: Syrian refugees face dire health risks
- SKorea analyzing if 4 projectiles North Korea launched were missiles or artillery
- Syrian regime troops score gains, push into strategic rebel-held town near Lebanon
- Top Libyan official: Benghazi explosion accident
- Nigeria military: 17 killed during offensive
- Algerian editor accuses government of censorship
- Zimbabwe PM: We will end police, military abuse
- Pope: church should open up but follow teaching
- Russian TV: American accused of spying flies out
- Cairo airport baggage handlers end strike
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
Wedding Central
The greatest Southeast Texas story ever told. Share your wedding and engagement news!
Lost and Found Pets
These are pets that have been lost or found in the KFDM News Channel 6 viewing area.
No Text Zone
Texting While Driving Kills Thousands of People Each Year. Many More are Seriously Injured. You Can Help Make Our Roads a NO TEXT ZONE
Texas Lottery
Texas Lottery
Community Calendar
Check out our Community Calendar!
Baby Talk
Baby Talk with Nicole Murray.
KFDM Channel 6 Top Stories
Business News
Gauge of US economy's future health up in April
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A measure of the U.S. economy's future health rose in solidly in April, buoyed by a sharp rise in applications to build new homes and apartments.
Consumer News
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
Get This
ON THIN ICE?
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- He was already on thin ice with the law when he failed to meet the conditions of his probation.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: LABOR GROUP SAYS CONDITIONS AT APPLE PLANTS IMPROVING
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A labor group Apple joined to assess working conditions at three manufacturing plants in China, where its products are made, says conditions are getting better.

