It has only been a year since A.V., her husband and their five children were homeless and living in their van.

Today, they live in a two-bedroom apartment in Waipahu but still can't afford to buy furniture for their home.

A.V.'s husband, M.V., works in kitchen prep for a restaurant, but barely makes enough money for rent and the necessities.

The family receives assistance from the state for medical insurance and food.

The family became homeless last year when it was forced to choose between living in a rodent-infested apartment or in a van. For four months, A.V. and her husband traveled back and forth between Waipahu, where the children went to school, and Kalihi, where the family would take showers at a relative's house.

M.V. and A.V. then found another apartment in Waipahu.

A.V. said she wants to find a job, but wants to stay home with her children now because they live in an area with drug and alcohol activity.

M.V. and his 13- and 9-year-old sons sleep in one bedroom; A.V. and her daughters, ages 11, 5 and 1, sleep in the other. Everyone except the 1-year-old daughter sleeps on the floor.

The family needs bed sheets, blankets and even food, said the family's case worker. The family also could use a bunk bed.

Christmas Fund donations go to families who need help through the holidays. Any money remaining after the holidays will be used to help those in need throughout the year.

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