FORT MYERS, Fla. - The poverty rate in Lee County is 73 times higher than the national average.

A recent report by the Brookings Institute says the rate jumped from 10.6% in 2008 to 14.4% in 2009. The Salvation Army says it's seen an 80% pick up in the need for it's services as the recession gripped the area. Many are first timers.

The Salvation Army has a number of programs available to help and Major Thomas Louden joined us Friday to explain what help is available.