Cases 29-32: Ms. E, her 5 kids and 1 grandchild live in a home deemed 'unfit for human occupancy'

Case 29: Earlier this year, Ms. D took short-term disability from her job after being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases. It is difficult for Ms. D to move her hands and legs, and medications and treatments are very expensive. The family would be very grateful for help, including assistance paying rent and utility bills, replacing a broken clothes dryer, clothing and holiday gifts.

Case 30: Ms. E, her five children and one grandchild live in a place that is heartbreakingly unlivable. The roof leaks and the ceiling is collapsing. Their food spoils without a working refrigerator. Children — the youngest, her grandchild, is 2 — sleep on the couch. Parts of the townhouse have no electricity and it has been declared “unfit for human occupancy.” The landlord in charge of the housing project won’t fix it. Ms. E was out of work for months and has struggled to regain her financial footing since. Her car is broken and she can’t afford to fix it. She already was forced to place one of her children for adoption, but she is more committed than ever to provide for her family. She hopes some Christmas gifts or help finding a new place to stay can make this season more than a daily struggle for survival.

Case 31: One full-time job still isn’t enough to keep up with the bills for Mr. V and Ms. C. While Mr. V works, his wife must stay home to care for their 2-year-old because they can’t afford the cost of childcare. They have another 10-year-old daughter to care for and have taken in Mr. V’s 11-year-old sister. Their mother is in Mexico and cannot join the family. In addition to help keeping up with rent, utilities and groceries, the couple could use clothes or toys for the children this holiday season.

Case 32: Hardship and trauma don’t discriminate based on age, and student Miss A knows this better than most. The 17-year-old high school senior has maintained a 3.5 GPA, while juggling work and school. However, Miss A’s life has been full of tragedy. She lost her 3-year-old sister and stepfather during a tragic act of violence in 2023. She spent years homeless and couch hopping with her mother, who has constantly dealt with legal issues throughout her life. Now, student Miss A lives in the basement of a family friend, where she pays rent and dreams of a better future. Despite working while attending school, Miss A needs help making her senior year of high school special. She is asking for $125 to pay her senior dues, which includes her graduation cap, gown, diploma, yearbook and t-shirt. It also covers her senior photos and class activities. She is also requesting $75 so that she can buy a ticket to prom and experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity all high school seniors deserve. Lastly, Miss A is asking for funds to purchase a vehicle to help her be successful in work and life after graduation.

Case profiles by Jasmine Osby, Jacob Barker and Jack Suntrup