Being jobless during the coronavirus pandemic is an issue many are dealing with in the Hudson Valley.

Yonkers resident Charlene Gaffin calls it a nightmare, saying in part, "It’s depressing…just to see so many people lost without jobs and trying to find ways in lines, people trying to get food."

Gaffin tells News 12 she has been without a job since late March after being furloughed.

Prior to the pandemic, she worked part-time at the Westchester Community College book store. Now, she's having a hard time claiming unemployment benefits.

"I filed a claim online, I try and call the 1-800 numbers, you get voicemails. I haven't spoken to anyone,” says the Yonkers woman.

She’s struggling to make ends meet as she spends the funds she has on bills.

“I don't receive any other assistance,” says Gaffin. “The little money I have, I have to use for rent, Con Edison, accessories you know every little thing, even toilet tissue."

According to the jobless report, 2.1 million workers filed for unemployment as of last week. The new numbers bring the total to 41 million Americans who are without a job.

The unemployment rate is currently at 14.7 percent, which is the highest it has been since the Great Depression.

News 12 is told unemployment numbers are expected to increase through the end of May.