"We actually have had to extend our hours to accommodate them," said Ana Mendez, spokeswoman for Metropolitan Ministries.

The effort is part of the charity's employment lab, a collaboration of eight local groups. Features of the new lab include computers, fax machines, printers and instruction on compiling resumes, interviewing effectively and dressing for success.

Aid From The State: Disbursement of food stamps is on the uptick, said Terry Field of the Florida Department of Children & Families.

The agency has made it easier to get aid in Hillsborough County, Field said, which may explain some of the increase.

Still, he said, "we haven't seen these types of increases for many, many years."

Three state offices distribute food stamps, in Tampa, Plant City and Ruskin, and about 75 sites - including libraries and social services agencies - take applications.

Salvation Army: An increase in requests for help started around early July, said Steve Vick, general manager of the Salvation Army in Hillsborough County.

The Salvation Army helps eligible people with rent, mortgage payments, utility bills and food.

United Way: The United Way has established a 211 telephone number to help people, including people recently laid off.

Initially, the agency said, callers wanted information on volunteer opportunities, health insurance or after-school programs, but more recently they shifted to employment assistance.

Last year, 211 handled nearly 10 million calls, an increase of 27 percent over the previous year, the agency said. Of the calls taken in 2007, nearly 20 percent were about housing and shelter, 17 percent were about income support and 13 percent were about food needs.

Get Involved

Salvation Army: 1603 N. Florida Ave., Tampa FL 33602; (813) 226-0055

Metropolitan Ministries: 2002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa FL 33602; (813) 209-1000

Reporter Keith Morelli can be reached at (813) 259-7760.

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