The economic downturn was a key factor in a 211% increase in demand for social services in Wanaka in 2009, according to Community Networks' annual report.
The report by manager Tina Haslett says there has been a "dramatic swing away from the more passive maintenance-type services towards emergency services".
"This swing brings with it a major change in the nature of pressure at the front desk and within the organisation."
Requests for emergency assistance jumped from 65 in 2008, to 202 last year.
Requests for food parcels increased from 25 to 100 (300%).
The one-stop shop for resources and social support also recorded more demand for meals on wheels, JP and legal services, community support and the Wheels to Dunstan hospital transport service.
There was a drop in demand for planning, prevention and treatment services such as budget and employment advice, and counselling.
Last year, Work and Income New Zealand retrenched its Upper Clutha services at a time when the economic recession was biting hard.
"The amount of change was to be expected but perhaps the depth of it wasn't. So the year was a challenge, to say the least. Despite this, Community Networks always found a solution to each challenge and together the [trustees and staff] came through the year to finish on a high note," Ms Haslett said.
Priorities for this year included a needs analysis for the elderly, and co-ordinating the Te Rito programme for treatment and prevention of family violence.
