The waiting room at the North County Emergency Outreach Network's office was so full of people Wednesday that some even lingered outside until they had a place to sit inside.

They came from all over north county seeking help. Some were looking for assistance with mounting utility bills; others needed food for their families; and still others were on the brink of being evicted from their homes and needed cash.

"This isn't a thing you want to do," said Renee Walls, who was at NCEON looking to supplement the $178 she receives in food stamps monthly for herself, her husband and her six children. "It's not easy. It took me a few...