Lost jobs, stress from decreased income and a lack of health insurance seem to be responsible for some of the increase, said Karen Wistrand, executive director. The organization saw 623 women from January through the end of September, compared to 323 the same time last year.
"People have been coming in like crazy," said Wistrand, who also oversees two sites in Killeen and one in Copperas Cove. "We're seeing people who . . . are thinking that they can't afford another child.
"Their pregnancy is more of a crisis situation because of finances. Typically some of them would be happy, but because things are so tight, it's not as much of a joy."
While the increase is most dramatic in Temple, all four centers report a growing number of women looking for help during the first nine months of 2009, she said. Some 3,036 clients have come to the four sites this year compared to 2,600 last year.
Temple HELP Center director Judy Morales said they also have seen a 15-20 percent increase in young pregnant women needing assistance this year.
Hope is a Christian, non-profit organization and most Hope clients are women under 30 with low socioeconomic status, Wistrand said.
More than 260 of the Temple clients, or more than one-third of those seen, were referred to social service agencies, up from 147 last year. About 133 were given Medicaid referrals because of a lack of health insurance.
"We've seen more needs assessment appointments," Temple center director Suzanne Tidball said. "People are wanting to use our resources, including parenting classes, maternity clothes, baby clothes and diapers."
Hope offers regular help to established clients throughout their pregnancy and following delivery. While only 24 Temple clients accepted the aid during the first nine months last year, the number has shot up to nearly 200 so far in 2009, Wistrand said.
