As we embark on a new year, we often make resolutions. If one of yours is to help make this year a better one than the last, I hope you’ll continue reading.

I had the honor and pleasure of guest hosting The Randi Rhodes Show for the last two weeks.  While discussing the unexpected progress made in the lame duck session of Congress, we began talking about the group of Americans who were, unfortunately, ignored: the 99ers.

The 99ers. That’s the name given to the millions of people who lost their jobs during this almost-a-depression-recession, and have now exhausted all of their unemployment benefits.

President Obama “negotiated” a big deal just weeks ago that paved the way for the lame duck Congress to repeal DADT, give health care to the 9-11 first responders, pass a food safety bill and ratify the new START treaty. He agreed to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans in return for the big Republican concession — a 13-month extension of unemployment benefits, something that they should have (and likely would have) agreed to anyway.

But what most people don’t realize is that the 13-month extension doesn’t extend the benefits for the unemployed… it just allows the current unemployment benefits programs to continue operating, giving people benefits for up to a maximum of 99 weeks, for another 13 months.

But if you’re a “99er” — if you’ve exhausted your benefits, you’re likely feeling quite forgotten right now. From the Obama-GOP tax cut “compromise” to the very productive not-so-lame duck session of Congress, there was nothing for the 99ers.

We were talking about the plight of the 99ers on The Randi Rhodes Show, and people began calling in with their stories. I was so moved, and I knew I needed to do something!

So I came up with the idea of a place where people in need can post their stories, and those fortunate enough to be in a position to help can contact them directly and, over Christmas weekend, built and launched www.HelpThe99ers.com,

The main part of the site is The Help Board. In addition to a general discussion area and a jobs area (where people can post their skills, employers can post openings, and entrepreneurs can share ideas), there’s a section for 99ers to tell their stories, organized by states.

My wish is that people who can help will read the stories and reach out to those who touch them the most. The site is set up so that people can contact one another directly.

But it will only work if people use it. So, if you’re in need, post your story. If you can help someone, please do. And please help spread the word.

And help make it a happy new year for some people who otherwise are looking at a very bleak 2011!