CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- More people are asking for help from Crisis Assistance Ministry, at the same time that the organization itself is struggling.

Wednesday started the new fiscal year, during which Crisis Assistance will get much less money than in the past.

Meanwhile, Crisis Assistance is seeing an average of 50 more people a day than last year asking for help. Hundreds were in a long line outside Crisis Assistance before 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Organizers said they typically see an increase in people looking for help paying bills in the summer. Development officer Doug Hartjes said that's on top of a 50 percent increase in requests from last year because of the economy.

“These are tough times for folks who are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

James Lindsey was in line early Wednesday.

“Well, I want to try and keep my apartment. I want them to pay my rent,” he said.

Lindsey said he goes to between eight and 12 businesses a week looking for work.

“I lost my wife in March and we were paying rent on her disability, and with her gone, you know,” he said.

Lindsey said he never imagined he'd be in this position.

“Years ago I was guilty of judging poor people until I became poor,” he said.

Crisis Assistance works to help as many people as they can, but the summer increase comes at a time when it’s preparing to face a funding cut of its own. It’s getting about a $100,000 less from the United Way for the fiscal year.

“We are the community's emergency room for people facing a financial crisis. So we will triage the folks here today and serve those who have the most urgent need,” Hartjes said.

Lena Allen, who came in for help with her rent, said she knows she has to do her part as well.

“I try to keep the faith and do what I need to do to succeed,” she said.

Crisis Assistance has helped 43,959 families since last July.