Hello. I am currently homeless and unemployed. I was able to receive a grant to go to college for computer programming, and it will pay for all of my classes, but I am looking to get enough to be able to move away and find work. I am but one of many thousands of people in this small town affected by the crash of the local economy. While most of the country is in a recession, the city I live in has been impacted much harder. A few years ago, the economy was booming with work from the local factories, owned and operated by Broyhill, Bernhardt, Kincaid, and a few others. However, the companies began outsourcing the jobs overseas, leaving the residents of Lenoir in a bit of a fix. For the past 75+ years the entire city has based its economy off of furniture manufacturing. I want nothing more than to get away from the sinkhole that is this city's falling employment rate and dead end economic decisions. Thank you for your time

I would like to start by saying thank you to those who are willing to donate to those in need! I am a single mom to an 11 year old son. I lost my job in October, 2010, and I have not been able to find work yet. I have done some odd jobs here and there, including online work. I sold my van, used my taxes and utilized every means available...and now the money has run out. My son needs me to be there for him, as he is having a lot of emotional issues this year. His behavior in school, and after, has caused a lot of disruption in our lives, making it difficult for me to look for a regular 9-5 job, not that there are any available either. I do not have family close by, and he needs the one-on-one attention right now. After I lost my job, I decided to go back to school to get an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Financial Aid is taking care of my school right now. The thing that we need help with is the rent and groceries (he's growing and eating, eating and growing - over 2 inches in just 2 months!). I would greatly appreciate any help you can offer that will cover the necessities for the next 2 or 3 months. As I said before, I am doing some online work which pays less than minimum wage, but I am hoping that this will give me the opportunity to get caught up. God Bless.

I moved to Thailand from the US and have been struggling very much here. Considering the situation in the US going back is not much of an option. I am unable to find work here and have been broke for some time now. Friends and family have helped as much as they can and now there is nowhere left to turn. My girlfriend is also sick at the moment and I can't afford to take her to the doctor. I contracted polio when I was 10 months old and the worry is constantly there that if something were to happen to my cast or leg I have no money for medical bills. Please find it in your heart to help. Thank you in advance. Sam

I am in college for music, and the person I had to borrow my instrument from has graduated, leaving me without. I have a part time job, but time is running out faster than my savings is growing. I would use student loans but they all go to housing and food. I am in dire need of help, please keep music alive in me!

Growing up in a deprived neighborhood never had its ups. Always looking for a way to make a dollar just to help my father put food on the table for a family of five. Going to School and staying away from the peer pressure did pay off, as you can see now I'm in an Ivy League College. Although these schools are the best of the best, going into my second year I now see that the cost is becoming a burden on me. Not having enough money for books, engineering supplies, and gas is wearing me out. I started a great task by being ambitious and I'm dedicated to complete it. My family still needs me and I will do my father, who raised me on his own and showed me how to be a man for 20 years, a great justice by being that successful person he raised me to be. He taught me to never give up or give in. The stress is really getting to me and my younger siblings need my example for their ample futures. Thank you for your consideration. Deo Gratia!!!