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HANNIBAL, MO -- Poverty levels in the U.S. have hit levels not seen since the 1960s. The rate is on track to hit about 15 percent...that would be a record increase of almost two percent.

The Tri-States is feeling that uptick in folks hitting hard times.

Twice as many folks are coming through these doors looking for rent and utility assistance help here at the Northeast Community Action Corporation in Hannibal these days. Marion County NECAC Coordinator Melissa Williams says that adds up to nearly 200 calls or walk-ins a day. And the people doing the asking are changing.

Williams says the new families are middle class with one or both providers losing their jobs, who for the first time need help making ends meet.

Williams said, "These people have never been in this situation before and so they don't know where to go."

It's the same story of increasing need at social service agencies in Hannibal. The Salvation Army and Douglass Community Services are seeing huge increases in folks looking for food. Meanwhile the loaves and fishes program which serves meals to folks in need is seeing bigger crowds-- all people affected by job losses at local companies.

But unfortunately now that the need is greater than ever, donations are down.

Lou Lemen the Executive Director of the United Way of the Mark Twain Area said, "People are calling, saying I've always supported the United Way and I never thought that I would need your services but I lost my job."

With more need and fewer donations, social service agencies like the United Way of the Mark Twain area are looking elsewhere, hoping to develop new resources to help folks looking for a hand up to get through some tough times.

Lemen says frequent disasters have also helped deplete funds used for folks in need.

Williams adds the rise in poverty includes many families in Hannibal's Bear Creek area.  Before the flash flooding in July, families here were dealing with job losses, reduced income and increased expenses. But now they're facing a massive clean-up with no help from FEMA. In most cases insurance didn't cover the flood damages.

Now local organizations like the Northeast Missouri Unmet Needs Committee is trying to fill in the gaps.

Lemen said, "We know it is going to get cold here in a couple of months. That's why we're working very hard."