These are hard financial times and people are trying their best to cope.

Some businesses say they've noticed people are cutting corners on necessary home and auto repairs, and some people are going to charities for help, for the first time in their life.

You wouldn't think mechanics would see extra work during this slow economy, but at-home auto-repair projects, gone bad, have kept this Tuffy Auto Service Center busy.

General Manager Jason Parson says, "A lot of times you'll see cars falling off jacks. We've seen a lot of those. People trying to change their own breaks and the car falls in the drive way."

Tuffy's general manager says, in an effort to save money, people are attempting to fix major auto repairs at home.

The bad news -- the project usually ends up costing more money and puts others at risk.

"Brake jobs #1. Brake pads installed incorrectly. Just the wrong procedures are being taken. If you miss one step you can really mess something up. It's a safety issue not only for you, but others on the road too."

The harvest house in Destin is a resource center for anyone in need.

Employees say they've seen a change in the customers shopping in their thrift store and asking for meals.

Founder Jerry Ogle says, "We used to see people come in by foot or in beat up cars. Now we're seeing people coming in SUVs. People that have just gotten laid off, can't find a job, or people who just can't quite make it through until the end of the month."

For 20 years the harvest house pantry has fed thousands of hungry people in Destin.

Volunteers guess the food on these selves will be gone in one week.

"We're seeing as many as 10 families a day so to answer your question the need is just tremendous and I think it's only going to grow from here."

Employees praise the Destin community. They say donations continue to roll in, even as the need continues to grow. 100% of the thrift store sales go back into the harvest house. If you'd like to donate nonperishable food items, volunteer you're time, or you need assistance you're asked to call 837-2277.