Nearly 500 Wheatland Tube production and maintenance workers went on strike April 28 after their contract expired. Three months later, the challenge of balancing household budgets has intensified for workers without paychecks.

"A lot of people have applied for assistance for whatever reason," said Don Morrow, union captain. "The younger ones are really feeling the pinch, but they're dedicated to the cause and solidarity of the men, regardless."

Morrow, 56, also applied for assistance, but he wasn't eligible. As an older worker, he said his situation is a bit different from younger workers. His mortgage and car debts are all paid off, he said. But for the younger workers, times are "tight," he said. Some are newlyweds, starting new families or living off credit cards.

"But I'm not saying the older guys aren't having it tough too," Morrow added.

Some workers have sought help from local agencies that are themselves feeling the brunt of tough times.

Over the last three weeks the Salvation Army in Sharon has seen an influx of families of Wheatland Tube workers, said Major Ted Sly, pastor administrator. Many of the families, before receiving information from the agency and other families, were unaware of the services the Salvation Army provides.

"Most have never been in the position before to require the needs of the Salvation Army," Sly said.

Over the last four weeks, the Salvation Army has helped 188 families, mainly with food, one of the immediate services the agency provides. Offering them food helps to alleviate their budget restraints, and frees up money that could go elsewhere, Sly said.

Through a program called Project Reach, the Salvation Army also offers utility help with electrical services. Some of the families have already qualified for the one-time program through Pennsylvania Power Co. that helps cover one month's electric bill.

Other agencies, such as the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell, are providing utility help as well. The Prince of Peace Center is also seeing its share of extra people, more than usual for this time of year, said Sister Claire Marie Beichner. The center provides help with either gas or water bills and budget guidance to help stretch out household incomes, she said.

"We have definitely seen an increase over the emergency requests we typically see during this month," Sister Claire Marie said. "More and more of the families are becoming desperate because of the length of the strike."

Workers who might have been able to survive the first two months on savings or a second household income are now reaching hard times, observers said. Mortgage payments are one factor large enough to break tight budgets.

Under normal circumstances, the Shenango Valley Urban League, a multiservice agency, offers needy county residents a payment assistance program for rent or mortgages.

But these aren't normal times, said Jim Long, president.

In addition to the overwhelming need, the money for the payment assistance program dried up in June, and a waiting list spanning 130 people offers even less hope as the list grows longer, he said. But that hasn't stopped residents who need help from calling, he added.

The $18,000 in state funding the Urban League gets for the program can help only about 50 families. The money probably won't be received until August, Long said.

"The last two months have not been normal," he said. "It's a crisis situation, particularly if the Wheatland Tube strike situation doesn't remedy itself. And with Werner losing 400 to 500 jobs, it could be a critical time, particularly for homeowners in Mercer County."

The Mercer County Assistance Office, which offers financial assistance, welcomes people in need to walk in and apply for help, no appointment necessary. Mark Wasser, executive director, said strikers in general aren't eligible for benefits while they are on strike, unless they were receiving them before the strike, which also applies to food stamps. Children, however, are eligible for medical assistance even if their parents don't qualify, he said.

Many Wheatland Tube workers have picked up odd jobs this summer to make ends meet.

"(Wheatland Tube is) going to lose a lot of people. They're taking other jobs and might not come back," Morrow said.

Morrow, a 32-year Wheatland Tube employee, found part-time roofing work. Others have found landscaping jobs and various other work, he said.

"You do what you have to do to deal."