Tough economic times are painting a startling picture about the poverty rate in Western Massachusetts. The situation has gotten so bad that a group of social service agencies gathered at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield to encourage awareness.

"When communities come together to work on these issues, anything can happen and we can take back our communities," said Carolyn Ford, Executive Director of the Human Service Forum.

The latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that across Massachusetts, 9.9% of people lived in poverty in the year 2007. But, in Hampden County, which includes Springfield and Holyoke, the number jumps to 16.96%. The numbers have steadily increased since 2001, and with a growing number of poor, Springfield charities and social service agencies are making families a top priority.

"The deeper and deeper you fall into poverty, the more difficult it is to meet your basic needs. For children that means they are not able to take advantage of education. They're hungry. They're sleepy," said Vickie Riddle, Executive Director of the Catholic Charities Agency in the Diocese of Springfield.

According to the latest U.S. Census, 176,091 children in Massachusetts are living in poverty - an increase of over 5,000 children in one year.

But, an even bigger problem facing shelters is that many are reaching maximum capacity. The Main Street Shelter in Holyoke has a waiting list. 11 families currently live there, with several living in nearby hotels until there is a vacancy. Meanwhile, at other shelters, like the Gray House in Springfield, requests for food are at an all time high.

"About 30% of the people who come in for food assistance this year at our pantry are new faces - people who never sought food assistance before, which is a huge number," said Dena Calvanese, Executive Director of the Gray House.

Currently, the poverty line for a family of four is $20,650. Many who have fallen victim say it is a situation that is easy to get into, and one that is hard to get out.

"It can happen to anybody. You can lose your house. You can go through a divorce. You can end up here for any reason," said one woman at the Main Street Shelter who wished not to be identified. She, and others are working hard to get back on their feet.

"You just try to do the best with what you can in the situations that you are. But, everybody looks for an apartment. Everybody tries to get a job because that's the way to get out of here," said another poverty victim.

Shelter managers and social service agencies are worried the poverty rate will go even higher because the latest numbers reflect the situation before the price of fuel and food items skyrocketed earlier this year.