The words “bad economy” have been ubiquitous in the news in the past year. In the San Lorenzo Valley, the wake of the downturn can be seen in the increase in home mortgages that can’t be paid, the jump in residents who can’t foot their utility bills, and a boost in bus pass applications, according to Mountain Community Resources.

“A lot of people just can’t afford gas right now, and a lot more people are unemployed,” said Romina Cervantes of MCR, which offers help to individuals and families in need.

The nonprofit has been dealing with a community that is in greater need than in years past, while at the same time it receives less money to do its work, as Santa Cruz County makes cuts across the board to balance its budget.

The center is now closed Fridays to absorb the cuts.

“We know how to make the most out of our dollar,” Cervantes said. “We do what we need to get the job done.”

The center began its annual phone-athon Monday, Feb. 1, with hopes of raising $30,000 this month to support families, teens, Latino programs and emergency preparedness work — all things the community needs now more than ever, Cervantes said.

“There have been a lot of changes because of the economy,” she said. “One thing I’ve really noticed is that more men are coming in for help with things like bills and unemployment, when before it was mainly women.”

The center has also helped more people who need to find new places to live, as banks foreclose on more and more homes.

“We do a lot around here. I’ve been referring a lot of people to other agencies that can help,” Cervantes said.

Forms to apply for Medicare and food stamps are available at the MCR office, and a county mental health counselor stops by once a week to see clients in the area, Cervantes said.

“We’ve been trying to help people save on gas by bringing county services to the valley,” Cervantes said.

The center also has an alliance with Central Coast Energy Services that helps low-income families pay overdue energy bills.

“If people have a 15-day notice on their PG&E or propane bills, MCR can help expedite the application process, so their electricity won’t be shut off,” Cervantes said. “We’ve been seeing a lot more people coming in for that service.”

There’s no doubt it’s been a tough year, and the center has seen the worst of it, Cervantes said.

“You can only hope it gets better,” Cervantes said. “But the hugs and smiles we get for helping people are nice bonuses to this job.”

At a glance

• WHAT: Mountain Community Resources’ annual phoneathon

• WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights throughout February

• INFO: Vicki Dyas, 338-7327; or Anna Sullivan, 335-6609