The number of Maplewood residents on public assistance has doubled in the past two years, according to Vice Mayor Kathy Leventhal, who sits on the township local assistance board.

Two years ago, the number of residents receiving welfare payments was 28, it is now 56. "Everybody is facing it because of the economy," Leventhal said. "Just like we have doubled home foreclosures."

General assistance is distributed by the township, but uses funds from state and federal agencies. They do not come from the township budget.

Still, such an increase is of concern, indicating local residents are feeling the brunt of the economy. "I do not know how to judge it," Leventhal says. "It is just important for people to know Maplewood is facing what everyone else is facing."