Two years ago Frank Lucas, 50, was working full time at a livestock slaughter house and living in Wahiawä with his wife Rollia, 34, and their 6-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son.

Things were going well enough for the family until the economy crashed and Frank's hours were cut by more than half. The loss of income was such a severe blow that eventually the family lost their home.

Even as they were trying to cope with homelessness, another crisis was developing: Frank's granddaughter from a previous relationship had been removed from her mother's custody because of traumatic living conditions and placed in the foster care system.

However, because of cultural differences, the girl was having difficulty communicating and adapting with her foster parents.

Frank and Rollia were determined to have the child placed in their own care as foster parents because they felt strongly that the girl needed to be with family members who were committed to her well being and best interests.

In the meantime, the Lucas family moved into Mä'ili Land, a Wai'anae homeless transitional shelter. They also succeeded in having the granddaughter, 11, placed in their foster care where she is doing well, they say, and with the help of therapy, improving.

The family still suffers extreme financial hardship, said Keali'iokekai L. Liana, the family's case worker at Catholic Charities Hawai'i.

"I have watched this family struggle financially to make ends meet," said Liana, who said the couple has no money to buy Christmas presents for their children. It would be beneficial to the family to have an enjoyable holiday together, she said.

"It's really hard for our family," said Frank. "But it would be good and nice if we can get help this Christmas."

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