Not long ago, Desiree Ka'ahu and her young family were living in a tent at the beach, a selfdescribed "horrible experience."

So she's especially thankful that her family recently secured public housing, even though their new home is mostly empty.

"I've been through hell and come out the other side a better person," said the 29-year-old mother of two. "I think God has blessed us. We could be on the beach still. ... money is very tight, but God gave us a blessing this holiday. ... I think it's a miracle."

The family's financial situation is tough in part because Desiree had to give up her job as a medical assistant when she suffered a herniated disc. She had surgery in June, but the pain is back. Ka'ahu takes medication for muscle spasms and often has to lie down because it hurts to sit or stand for long periods of time.

Her husband, James, is making slightly above minimum wage as a full-time security guard. The Army veteran has been working double shifts to support his family and is in the preliminary stages of becoming a police officer.

With the family's new housing expenses, money is scarce.

But they're grateful they finally have stable housing, unlike a few years ago.

The couple and their children used to share a duplex with relatives but had to move out when the landlord sold the home. They lived on the beach — with one child just 5 weeks old —for more than a year before they obtained temporary shelter at Weinberg Village, Waimanalo.

They moved into public housing this month.

Except for beds, a sofa and a dresser, the house is mostly bare.

The family needs household items like sheets, curtains and towels, and would appreciate any furniture to help create a comfortable home for their children. The family eats meals on the floor or the sofa because they don't have a dining table or chairs. They have books but no bookshelves.

Ka'ahu's 8-year-old daughter has been asking for Bratz sheets and a blanket for Christmas, and their 2-year-old son likes "anything Spiderman." The girl wears a size 10, the boy a 4T. Ka'ahu wears size 12; James, 34/34 pants.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.