NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Thousands of families turn to the Metro Action Commission every year for help paying rent, mortgage, electricity and even prescription costs. This year, more families than ever are able to apply.

In the Tennessee heat, they wait.

"(I) haven't made it to the door yet in three hours," said Keitsha Perkins, who tries to kept her cool waiting outside the Metro Action Commission office for money that will save the place she and her four kids call home.

"It's going to help me pay off my past due amount from my rent, and hopefully my landlord won't put me out," said Perkins.

She and others said they lined up early this year out of fear the funding in the rent and mortgage program would dry up like last year.

"I don't know how much money they have, you know, to help people," Perkins said.

"We don't feel like that we'll have that issue where we'll run out really soon," said Lisa Gallon of the Metro Action Commission.

Vada Copeland worked at Dillard's two years before she was laid off. She said she feels her luck has taken a turn.

"I felt good when I finally got it," said Copeland, who said she and her sister were the first ones at the Metro Action Commission Wednesday at 4:15 a.m.

Copeland's rent voucher is in. And for the first time this year, more people like her can apply for these benefits because of higher income level requirements.

"A family of four making $44,100, they now qualify, where earlier, it would have been right around $33,000," said Gallon.

As Perkins waits among hundreds, she already appreciates the help.

"It's a blessing that they're helping people," she said. "It will give me a fresh start."

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Metro Action Commission