CASE 29

M and A came to the United States from Somalia. A was working toward providing his family with a better life in America until he was laid off from his full-time job last year. Now he works part time and receives some unemployment, but it is not enough to provide for his family. M attends classes to improve her English and stays home to take care of the couple's four young children, three boys, 9, 6 and 1, and a 4-year-old girl. The family needs help with food and utilities to keep the heat on this winter. Shoes and clothing for the children would also be appreciated.

CASE 30

P, 66, loves to help others but has many needs of her own. She volunteers at a food pantry when health permits. P, who lives alone, suffers from high blood pressure, arthritis, a breathing disorder and diabetes. She is barely getting by on Social Security and could use food, personal care items, cleaning supplies, dishes, queen-size sheets, a monthly bus pass and help with utility bills.

CASE 31

It's hard to raise a family when you don't have a place to settle down. For months, A, 36, and her three children, 19, 16 and 9, have bounced between the homes of friends and relatives - and hotel rooms. Although A has a job, she doesn't make enough for stable housing. Her family needs financial assistance.

Profiles by Colleen M. Schrappen and Jeremy Kohler of the Post-Dispatch.