Times were hard and getting worse for four-year-old Sylvia and her family. A month ago they lived with their dad's sisters. Then they lived in a tent in their grandma's back yard. The tent smelled moldy, but it was like camping. When the weather got too cold, they slept in the car. Actually, they lived in the car.

Ever since their dad hurt his back at work, he couldn't find a job. First someone came to their house for the television. Then the furniture was taken. Now all they had was the car, which didn't run very well, and a few clothes and dishes.

Sylvia and her big brother, Frank, knew things were about to change. Their parents looked more worried than ever, and they whispered to each other.

Dad managed to get the car started, but no one was talking about where they were going. Mom had tears in the corners of her eyes. They stopped in front of a plain concrete building. The sign needed paint. Mom stayed in the car while Dad went inside.

They waited. Nobody said a word. Sylvia and Frank knew better than to ask questions. Finally Dad came out. He was smiling, but there were tears in his eyes, too.

"We can stay here," he said. "They have cots and warm blankets."

Those blankets from CWS were a real tool of hope keeping them all warm (and making a fine play tent to snuggle under). The building was a homeless shelter, supported in part by Church World Service. It gave them a chance to make a new start.

Now each day gets a little bit better. Sylvia is in kindergarten and Frank in the first grade. Mom got a job at a restaurant, and Dad takes care of them in their own apartment. The future looks brighter thanks to the hard work of their parents and a little help from folks like us.