Jeremy and Kendra Nelson are among the five percent of Nebraskans who are out of work.

"We've worked hard, we've never been on the system before," said Kendra. "We owned our own home. We both had jobs. I got pregnant with twins. We decided I would stay home and care for our kids. And then, the economy tanked and we lost our home, we lost our 401K, and we're living off savings."

They and their twin daughters moved from Chicago to Dallas to Lincoln in search of work. When they learned they qualified for unemployment benefits, Jeremy and Kendra were relieved.

"It's a lifeline," said Kendra. "It's literally what [people are] doing to get by, so they don't end up on the street. That's what is getting them through and I guarantee you earning 60 percent of what you were making is barely getting by."

The United States Senate passed the $10 billion measure to extend unemployment benefits. That means there will be no interruption in payments to Nebraskans who are collecting federally-funded benefits.

President Barack Obama signed the bill into law last week. It provides a month-long extension to allow congress to pass another bill with a much higher price tag, which could extend unemployment benefits for a year.

While a month may not sound very long, it can help those in need buy more time to save money, look for a job and get back on their feet.

"I don't know where we'd be," said Jeremy. "We'd be completely destitute. So, this program is a God send. Honestly, we'd be lost."

"People don't want to be on it forever," said Kendra. "It's there for people who need it for the time they need it and most of the people on it want to get off and move on so it's like a bridge to get you back on your feet. It's there to make sure you're not living on the street."

Through it all, this family remains optimistic, always looking for the silver lining.

"Everything is only looking up from this point," said Jeremy. "We came here and things were kind of at a low point and everyday things get a little bit brighter. So you just have to keep taking one step at a time. Keep moving forward and don't get discouraged."

Both Jeremy and Kendra are working with Lincoln's Center for People in Need to learn job skills so they can be independent once again. There is also good news: Jeremy had an interview and is hoping to land the job.

For more information on the services the center provides or to learn how you can help, visit: centerforpeopleinneed.org or call (402) 476-4357.