Char, prayers being sent up for those people.  They really do need help.
How I would hate to be on the streets this time of year, even without the
four children.
Gwen

Char wrote:

                        The couple lacked jobs, but not help

              There was room at the inn for one homeless family.

December 21, 2006

It all started when a panicked 57-year-old woman dashed into Mission
Bay lifeguard headquarters last week to say her husband was having a
heart attack in the parking lot. Lifeguards responded and revived the
man, 59, with oxygen.

They learned that the couple were living, along with the woman's
82-year-old mother, in their Toyota Corolla, which had been their home
for three to four months.

Lifeguard Andy Lerum contacted police, and SDPD marine safety Lt.
Hector Fuentes arrived. The story unfolded that the husband had been
laid off by a printing company. His wife had lost her preschool
teaching job because of health problems.

First, the cash-strapped couple had to give up their Rancho San Diego
home of 16 years. Then they lost their apartment and took refuge in
their car, moving from place to place and using public restrooms.

"You could tell the man was very depressed and distraught about the
horrible situation he was in," says Fuentes. "These people are
well-intentioned. They're hard-working folks who have had a streak of
bad luck."
Fuentes asked them if they had blankets. They showed him that they did.
He then asked if they had food. They said yes, but could produce only a
few crackers.

So Fuentes, Lerum and their colleagues reached into their pockets to
collect money to buy the family dinner. Then Fuentes went a step
further and contacted the nearby Dana Inn. He explained the family's
plight and got a deal on a room for them that night - for which he
personally paid.

Fuentes doesn't want any publicity. "I became a police officer
because I wanted to help people," he says. "It was just the right
thing to do. These people just needed a helping hand."

The next day the couple met with SDPD's Homeless Outreach Team, or HOT,
which found temporary housing and board downtown for the mother. The
couple, however, declined shelter at St. Vincent de Paul, saying the
beds should be saved for people who really need them. HOT Officer Robin
Hayes says, "They really need it, but they are very humble and very
proud."

A relative of the couple's agreed to take them into her apartment for a
few nights while the HOT team looks for a longer-term solution.

On Tuesday, Hayes and two colleagues were given gift-wrapped holiday
candles from the family by the mother. On Hayes' card was the message:
"Thank you so much for all of your help, concern and kindness. We'll
never forget you." The card was peppered with hand-drawn hearts and
kisses.

It was a very touching moment for the members of the Homeless Outreach
Team.

Char,

that is so sad and I will be praying for those people and you also. You did
good at trying. Take care and thinking of you always.

Char,

What a wonderful thing for you and Myron to extend
help to this family in need.

It's so great to hear from the two of you.  We miss you
and hope you have a nice holiday. Drop by when you are up to it.

Don W