PORTLAND (AP) — More than a half-million Oregon residents — roughly one of every seven people — received food stamps last month, according the state Department of Human Services.

The record number comes as the state unemployment rate exceeded 8 percent in November, the highest mark in five years.

Also Wednesday, the state said 21,850 families with children received welfare cash payments through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. More families had applied for the first time.

The food stamp and welfare numbers show families in southern and central Oregon continuing to struggle. But the figures indicate Washington and Clackamas counties are among the hardest hit.

“Were seeing folks who we have never seen before, folks who have lost jobs or are losing their homes,” said Jerry Buzzard, manager of the agency’s Clackamas district. “It’s not unusual to see very nice cars in our parking lot now because folks who have had good jobs and secure incomes are needing services.”

The Benhams are a Washington County family that went on food stamps this fall.

John Benham, 36, has been unable to find steady work in construction, a sector that’s been suffering since the end of the housing mania.

His wife, Amber Benham, 32, is home with three children, the oldest of whom is 4. The Hillsboro family receives $530 a month in food stamps. It’s not enough to buy all their groceries but helps defray their other living expenses.

The Benhams continue to pay their $918 monthly mortgage payment, but stay with relatives because they can’t afford to pay for heat and other utilities.

“We take our kids over there whenever we can so they can play with their toys,” Amber Benham said. “We start a fire in the fireplace to keep us warm.”

To qualify for food stamps or cash assistance, you must have a valid Social Security number and be a legal U.S. resident.

The state, with money from the federal government, is hiring 60 people to help process the rising number of food stamp applications.