HOUSTON -- A shelter for homeless women and children in downtown Houston is experiencing record demand."During this last week, each night we have averaged about 100 women and children waiting for beds," said Hank Rush, president and CEO of the Star of Hope. "It's unprecedented."

The Women and Family Emergency Shelter at 419 Dowling Street has been at its capacity of 256 people with a waiting list for two years.

Rush said the heat and the economy's downfall are contributing to the demand.

"We're seeing more children, more families and lots of new faces," Rush said.

The homeless women and children on the waiting list are spending the night on pallets inside the shelter.

Rush said the extra need is taking a toll on the shelter's budget.

"More people means more food, more utilities and extra staff," Rush said. "Our donations have dropped considerably."

Rush said the shelter has a $700,000 shortfall.

"Soon we won't be able to deal with the overflow and we'll have to cut programs and turn people away," Rush said. "We hope we don't get to that point."

The shelter needs donations of cash, canned non-perishable food and gently used clothing. It could also use volunteers.

Rush said the men's shelter has been operating at or near its 300 person capacity all year.