Muskegon, Mich (WZZM) -- Thousands of Michigan unemployed will soon face tougher times as the state braces itself for a surge in the number of people running out of unemployment benefits.

Muskegon County is one community expecting to feel the brunt of it as jobless numbers remain up and job opportunities remain down.

"People are more and more frustrated with the unemployment picture. It is not good," said Thomas Griffin, director of workforce development of Goodwill Industries which runs a Michigan Works Center in Muskegon County.

The unemployment picture in the county is indeed bleak with a 16.9% jobless rate this july compared to 10% in july of 2008. Between now and the end of the year more than 1,800 additional people will have exhausted their benefits. Those receiving them are eligible for 79 weeks.

"The tragedy sometimes is when you are first laid off you don't look for a job right away," said Griffin.

Griffin admits jobs are harder to come by than in recent times but says too often people help create situations they are finding themselves in now.

"Sometimes you get people who have really high skills and they are not necessarily as hard to place. Now, they might not be able to get into a job at the pay level they had but if they are willing to take a lower salary or wage they may be able to find a job," said Griffin. "It is a full time job. You can't get discouraged you just have to keep it up. We can get people jobs if they are willing to take what is available."

He says many out of work people pass up one job hoping another will come along that pays better. Too often that doesn't happen before they exhaust their unemployment compensation.

Griffin says those people will likely fall out of one state agency into another if they qualify for assistance.

"They could apply for food stamps, Medicaid, if it is a family situation. The Department of Human Services does have benefits for families. For individuals it is really tough. An individual can be eligible for food stamps but that is about it," he said.

Anticipating thousands of Michigan's unemployed in that situation soon, The Unemployment Insurance Agency and DHS are setting up three temporary co-offices across the state. The offices, in Muskegon, Kalamazoo and Mt. Clemens near Detroit will be staffed with workers from both agencies.

The temporary resolution offices (TRO's) will open on September 8th at the following locations.

Muskegon at 2700 Baker St., Muskegon Heights

Kalamazoo at 322 Stockbridge Ave.

Mt. Clemens at 21885 Dunham Road, Suite 7, Clinton Township

Each office will have a staff of three who will serve walk-in traffic only. The offices will also provide a direct-dial telephone customers can use to file for unemployment benefits or inquire about their claims.

The offices will open at 12:30pm on September 8th.