How can we really make a difference?

One of the discussions that Mustard Seed Missions is about to undertake focuses on the number of people/families we can expect to help in the upcoming year.  This past year, our first, saw 100 referrals (and counting) from county caseworkers to our fledgling non-denominational ministry.  That number staggers me, it is far higher than I would have expected.  We've helped about 65 of them thus far, by God's grace and the generosity of individuals and churches in Venango County, and that number staggers me as well.  God has been good to us, we've worked hard in his harvest field, but as Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." (Matthew 9:37)  This past year, the workers have been dedicated, but the harvest has been still greater than we imagined.  So, what are we supposed to do?  Help as many people as we can, as fast as we can, or help a smaller number of people as much as we can?  Which method holds out more hope for breaking the cycles of material and spiritual poverty that surround us?  Jesus was the Son of God, but even he was exhausted by the press of the crowds hoping to find physical healing, and even he was worn out trying to extend to them spiritual healing as well.
The answer is certainly connected to long-term solutions, and this is something that every aid agency and charity struggles with.  How do you meet today's needs and at the same time help prevent them from being tomorrow's needs as well?  The wisdom of Ed Dobson in his Ed's Story film series about dealing with his ALS is relevant here.  Ed was a successful pastors, his congregation was many thousands, but when ALS started to take away his ability to do his job he had to quit.  He lost the ability to reach thousands, and was left with only the ability to reach one at a time.  Beyond being an inspirational story of faith, Ed's shift to working with people one-on-one is also a cautionary tale to the rest of us about trying to make spiritual guidance into a fast food industry.  The meal that God offers, the Bread of Life, is not to be gulped down on the road.  We need to make a difference in the lives of the Lost, we need to care for their needs and introduce them to Jesus; that's a process we can't rush.  As I said, we're trying to figure this out, your prayers are appreciated.