SHAFTER, Calif. -- The number of people unemployed in the north county this time of year is staggering, but there could be some relief on the way for workers.

Here is a look at the numbers from January of this year, according to state officials.

Delano has 34 percent of its residents unemployed.

In McFarland, 28 percent of people are looking for work.

In Wasco, it's 25 percent and in Shafter 24 percent of people were unemployed in January.

These rates compare to a 13 percent unemployment rate for all of Kern County.

Shafter city officials say numbers like these are one reason they decided to put together a collaborative meeting with employers and housing resources.

The meeting is on behalf of Shafter Healthy Start.

The program is a family resource center with the Richland school district.

Wednesday night between 6 and 8, the public is invited to attend the meeting where employers will be looking to fill vacant field positions.

Organizers said they'll also have foreclosure help, utilities and child care resources and emergency food baskets for the first 100 people.

For more information, you can call Shafter Healthy Start at 661-746-8692.