DURHAM, N.C. -- The need for social services is increasing across the country, leaving county departments with heavier work loads.

In Durham County, applying for assistance doesn’t look the same as it did two months ago. 

“We usually operate with seven lobbies depending on what area you are coming to the agency for, so to decrease the amount of potential exposure, we became one lobby,” said  Krystal Harris, assistant director of customer accountability and talent development. 

Anyone who enters the building must first have their temperature checked. 

Unlike months prior when those in need could speak face to face with workers, there are now make shift self-service kiosks available outside the building, a building that’s seeing no shortage of people coming in for help.

“We are seeing an average of 260 applications per day. In the last month, we have had over 3200 for Food Nutrition benefits and Medicaid,” Harris said.

Life also looks different for foster care social worker Johnnie Rhodes. 

While he is primarily working from home, he’s also traveling to the homes of others. 

“Some of the foster parents prefer you to meet the child outside if they have a porch that’s more convenient,” Rhodes said. “ If I actually need to go in and do a walk -thru in the home, of course we have on masks. Some of the foster parents stick on their masks, as well as the child.”

Rhodes notes the agency has seen a slight increase in foster children going into the system during the pandemic. 

While going into other’s homes isn’t the most comfortable during this time, he said his job trumps his trepidation.

“I’m still advocating for the child and so still trying to empower the child to the best of my ability,” said Rhodes.

The agency works as a team, hoping to lend a hand despite this global crisis.

“They’re affecting by the pandemic as well, but having the courage and being able to come in everyday  when they are scheduled, we’ve got to say thank you to the unsung heroes here at DSS,” Harris said.