CASE 1

Cases like H's didn't used to be common at Jewish Family & Children's Services, but more and more, her story is becoming the norm. She worked at good jobs, in education and then in customer service, but her job disappeared. Her husband is very ill and can't work, so she was the sole breadwinner in the family. She's finding it difficult to get a new job and says it's harder the longer she is out of work and because of her age — 59. The couple have already moved to less expensive housing and reorganized their lives to cut out nonessential spending. But they are having a hard time making ends meet as unemployment benefits run out. Bills outstrip the Social Security income her husband receives. It was not easy for them to ask for food assistance and help paying some utility bills. Nor is it easy for others facing economic trouble that reaches further than in any other time in recent memory.

CASE 2

Ms. D. lived in a small house with her two children and was a self-sufficient single mom thanks to a job in a family-owned real estate business. But when the recession came, the real estate market tanked. Like thousands of others in the region, she was laid off and fell behind on her bills. Her house was foreclosed on in January, and her family became homeless. She and her daughters, 3 and 9, were forced to move around among relatives and currently share a tiny bedroom in a house owned by another relative. Ms. D is working toward a high school GED and has a part-time job that doesn't cover their debts and expenses. Her goal is to become a nurse. The family needs help with basic necessities such as food and clothing. The eldest daughter also needs eyeglasses. Ms. D welcomes grocery and retail gift cards to buy needed winter coats and shoes as well as gifts for her girls at Christmas.

CASE 3

F is trying to get on the right track with her family and her education. She became homeless after leaving her abusive husband and is now in divorce court trying to get full custody of her 12-year-old daughter. F, 47, is also taking classes and says she knows that everything will turn out all right. She is excited about the future and wants to help make a difference in the lives of women going through similar experiences. She is living in a place that has no furnishings, so a bed with linens, as well as any kind of living room furniture, would be appreciated. Kitchen supplies — pots, pans, dishes, flatware — would help set up her house. Cleaning products, personal care items and clothing for F and her daughter would also be welcomed.

Profiles by Greg Jonsson, Nancy Cambria and Jackie Hutcherson of the Post-Dispatch.