ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- The Booker Washington Center is one of the many LIHEAP locations around the area with operators helping set up appointments for those qualified households. Those interested can call or stop in to set up an appointment. Due to the high unemployment and the down economy, LIHEAP is expecting a record number of families who need help.

"We hope to be assisting a lot more customers. Last year, I worked down at the LIHEAP office and the number was very, very great and we look for it to be even greater this year," said Lynda Squire, a representative of LIHEAP.

One concern is with increased numbers of households qualifying, will the funds run out even earlier than years before.