BOSTON -- The faltering economy, combined with the state's housing crisis, is stretching the resources of Massachusetts charities to the breaking point.

NewsCenter 5's Jim Boyd reported Monday that in the past, the Salvation Army was able to provide rental assistance to struggling families. Now, heartbreaking choices must be made.

VIDEO: Economy Stretches Charities To Breaking Point

There is a crisis brewing for a growing number of residents west of Boston, and one agency normally called on for help is hard pressed to do so.

"We personally just don't have the funds to help the people that actually need help," Milford Salvation Army Capt. Bill Geracia said.

The Salvation Army in Milford serves several towns. In addition to selling donated clothes at deep, deep discounts, it hands out money for rent and utilities for families facing fiscal crises like Francisco Rose and his family.

"Me and my family were displaced. You know, we had no place to go," Rose said. "After being here for about two and a half weeks for the first three, four days, they helped us out."

"Rent's going up. Utilities are going up. Gas prices are going up. People that have never asked for help before are asking for help now," Geracia said.

But the Army's ability to answer those requests is fading.

"When the money's gone, the money's gone," Geracia said. "I don't want to see anyone come I here and me have to tell them, 'I can't do any thing for you.'"

The Salvation Army said that now is the time for the community to step up and help out its neighbors in need.