One of the lines wrapped around the block at the Illinois Department of Employment Security Office at 115th and Halsted. The employment agency says it is only a collection point for the Ford job applications.
Earlier this week Ford announced it would build its new Explorer at Chicago's Torrence Avenue plant, which would create 1,200 new jobs. The base pay for the jobs starts at $15 an hour.
Many people ABC7 spoke with say this opportunity comes at a good time.
"It's been rough. I was laid off on December 31 of 2008. So I'm trying to get back on my feet. Unemployment is just about running out," said Edward Manzo, unemployed
"Whatever is open right now. Unemployment is very hard. Do whatever I can right now," said Brian Brown, unemployed.
Over the last two days more than 2,000 applications have been filled out at three of the employment facilities.