DENVER -- When the economy takes a hit, so do hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Unfortunately, those who need help may not be able to find it.

Some Denver nonprofit organizations are struggling to keep up with the demand. The Food Bank of the Rockies said the number of donations is about the same as last year, but the number of people in need is going up.

"We serve about 312,000 people annually through our partner agency's and there's a gap of about 88,000 people as of last year that aren't getting food because we don't have the resources to provide the food for them," said Gwen Vogelzang with the Food Bank of the Rockies.

The fear is that with high gas prices and the housing market slump, the demand will continue to rise.

"If we don't see an increase, a substantial increase both monetary and food, we won't be able to keep up with the growing demand," said Vogelzang.

Aurora resident Doyl Watson recently retired from the Air Force and is now trying to start his own cleaning business.

"It's been kind of rough. We've hit some bumps along the way," said Watson.

Families like the Watsons are struggling to keep up with the high price of everything from gas to electric bills.

"When your income is just a little below the bills, then you start to get fees and you start to fall further behind," said Watson.

The Food Bank of the Rockies said half of the people it serves have to choose to either pay their utilities or buy food every month.

"The price of fuel, for instance. There's a lot of people where that's enough to put them over the edge every month," said Vogelzang.

Nonprofit organizations are urging those who can help to step up.