CASS COUNTY — As unemployment rates continue to soar, so does the number of homeless people in our area. Cass County has been hit especially hard in recent months, and finding shelters for some "Neighbors in Need" can be difficult.

A two-bedroom apartment has been home to Felicia Martin for the past five months.

"I had been in some trouble dealing with emotional stuff, wound up in jail and so I lost my place to stay," said Martin.

Martin lives in what's called transitional housing.

"Never. I didn't have a clue that I would end up in this situation," she said.

She's part of the growing homeless population in Cass County. Record high unemployment rates in Michigan and Indiana play a significant role. Officials say it's the reason the face of homelessness is changing.

"Some of them were making $70,000 or $80,000 a year. But then you cut one of the paychecks and maybe it's the largest earner. And they were making $50,000 of that $70,000, then you're down to $20,000 and you lose your home to foreclosure," explained Twyla Smith, Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency Deputy Director.

Cass County has only a handful of smaller homeless shelters. And officials say there's no doubt they need more. But finding the money is a constant challenge.

"Urban areas or places where there's more concentrations of homelessness get more of the funding allocation. So, rural areas get a little less and we have to try to do more with less," said Smith.

And ultimately give people like Martin the chance to get back on their feet.

"I mean I have kids and I wanted me and my children to be together. And so I'm very grateful," said Martin.

For more information about the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency go to: www.smcaa.com.

WSBT-TV, the WSBT Radio Stations, and the South Bend Tribune have launched an effort to help the "Neighbors In Need" in our local communities. Find out how to help and what to do if your family needs help.