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CHARLOTTE – The Crisis Assistance Ministry continues to see a record number of clients in July, which their staff members blame on soaring energy bills and unemployment problems.

In order to get a feeling for what those on public assistance experience everyday, a few elected officials spent Wednesday experiencing it for themselves. They said they hope it will make a difference, by encouraging them to make more informed decisions.

"The point is to stand with people in line, talk with them during lunch and understand some of the pressures that folks who are homeless and living in poverty everyday," said Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts

Officials also spent time at Urban Ministries and toured Uptown from the perspective of a homeless person.