White River Junction, Vermont -- January 5, 2012
Aid workers in White River Junction say the number of those they help rises every month and would skyrocket if the mail processing plant closed.
The Upper Valley Haven Shelter hosted Sen. Bernie Sanders Wednesday.
It served more than 29,000 separate individuals last year.
Board members say most of those who receive assistance either earn minimum wage or are under-employed.
Aid recipients say the facility is a lifesaver.
"I lost my job, lost my house, was sleeping under the Ledyard Bridge in probably 30, 20 degree weather, just the clothes on my back, and if it wasn't for this place, probably would've still been there today," says Aaron Taylor.
Taylor, a former cook, says he's filled out about 80 job applications in the last few weeks, but still hasn't found work.
The facility currently also shelters 22 people despite only being designed to hold 20. Twelve of those residents are children.
