CASE 8

A, 14, has a developmental disability that affects his upper body, including his hands. He can't hold small tools or utensils. His mother was not able to take care of him, so he lives with his grandparents, an aunt and three cousins. A has a sweet nature and is friendly. He tries to help with household chores and likes school. Recently, his grandmother lost her job, and the family is paying bills with credit cards and quickly falling behind. A and his family would appreciate help. Several family members don't have beds, so they could use those. And a computer would help A with schoolwork because his disability makes it difficult for him to write by hand.

CASE 9

S is raising four daughters alone. The oldest is 22 and has profound mental retardation and physical disabilities. Until a few months ago, S was working part time and taking classes at a community college. Then she fell down a flight of stairs and broke her leg. She did not have health insurance and was off work for several months. She recently returned part time as a nurse's aide and hopes to be back full time in a few months. But S fell behind on bills. Her phone and gas have been shut off, her washing machine is broken and she can't afford to renew the license plates on her van, so it's sitting idle in her driveway. She'd love a working washing machine and help with her bills and to pay for food and gifts for her girls.

CASE 10

E was in an abusive relationship and had to get out. But this move destabilized her family's life. The 34-year-old woman worked in the medical assistance field but could not afford to pay her bills on her income. This resulted in homelessness for her and her son, 4; then she lost her job. E now has a place to live and is in school to get more training to help her find another job in the medical field. Her son is in Head Start, but because she does not have a car, it's difficult to get him where he needs to be. E receives unemployment and food stamps, which helps with her $550 rent, but gift cards to Schnucks would help with their meals. Household items, such as pots, pans, flatware, towels and personal care items, also would help her family.

Profiles by Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian and Jackie Hutcherson of the Post-Dispatch.