This month, we’re telling the stories I’ve heard again and again while traveling across Georgia.

This episode introduces David.

David worked in manufacturing and logistics for nearly two decades. When his plant downsized, his job disappeared through no fault of his own. He did what he was supposed to do. He filed for unemployment, submitted his paperwork, and started looking for work.

And then he waited.

This episode looks at what happens when someone with a long work history, a family, and a mortgage suddenly has no income, and the system meant to help moves more slowly than their life does.

David’s story is not rare. It’s becoming normal.