There’s a story Bremerton Foodline Executive Director Monica Bernhard shares about a woman in her 60s who came to the organization because she needed help with the utility bill.

Expecting it to be hundreds of dollars, she took a look at the bill to check the exact amount.

It was $40.

“She couldn’t turn her heat on,” she said. “She’s worked all her life, but to be able to afford food, she couldn’t turn her heat on in the winter.

“Over the past year we’ve seen people’s purchasing power — just their ability to cover basic needs — whittled away,” Bernhard continued. “That’s the real tragedy.”

The story, simple in its tale yet powerful enough to make anyone stop and think, was one of several told to Mike Gregoire, the husband of Gov. Chris Gregoire, who was in town Monday to visit several social service agencies.

The visit comes at a time when budgets are being tightened from local governments everywhere and cuts are being made to save what little money there is.

Bernhard brought the woman, along with several other people, to share their stories with Gregoire to get across how important they are.

“She’s one of the clients whose story touched me the most,” she said. “She’s an incredible woman. She always has a smile on her face.”

The invitation to Gregoire came several months ago, but Gregoire called them to set up a time and place when everyone’s schedules coincided.

“He seemed very interested in having an open two-way dialogue,” Bernhard said. “I think he showed a commitment to what’s going on. He has a passion for issues facing (war) veterans and serving that community we serve as well.”

The visit comes at a time when everyone, from veterans to young families to senior citizens have been affected by the recent downturn in the economy.

Demand for social services to provide simple needs such as food has increased 35 percent from the same time last year.

Bernhard said that Denise Agee, the director of the St. Vincent de Paul food bank, told her it hasn’t been this bad in her 20 years as a member of the organization.

“The need is there and it’s really increasing,” she said.

What Bernhard is seeing is an increase of young families who work but are crippled by exorbitant bills and cannot afford basics like food.

Another growing problem is the lack of affordable housing available for people who need it.

“Food is often one piece of a much more complex situation,” Bernhard said.

But those who do come in don’t need to be thought of as charity cases.

“It’s a real misconception that people turn to food banks and live off the system,” Bernhard said. “That’s not the case.

“We have people who work but are homeless,” she continued. “They’re trying to turn their life around but they don’t have a good place to sleep at night. Their stories are very real.”

And Bernhard is grateful the community is so eager to give.

“When we put the word out, the community responds,” she said. “I feel like so many people, organizations, businesses and churches just want to know the need and they bring help time and time again.

“I have faith the community will meet our need so no one goes without.”

For more information, visit www.bremertonfoodline.org.