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LIGHT ONE CANDLE Family falls on hard times; needs work, housing help EDITOR'S NOTE : This is one in a series of stories about people who need help during the holiday season. They weren't searching for a pot of gold, just a better life. This former California couple thought moving to the Rogue Valley meant more job opportunities and a better place to raise their son, a 4-year-old hemophiliac. They came. They looked. But they didn't have much luck landing jobs. "They spent their last dollar at a motel and found themselves on the street with nowhere to go," said Sharon Schreiber, director of CERVS. They are now living in a church shelter program run by the Interfaith Care Community, also directed by Schreiber. A group of 12 churches in Ashland provides shelter and meals for families who find themselves homeless. The families sleep in whatever church rooms are available, and parishioners bring breakfast and a carry-out lunch and serve a community dinner. Families in the church shelter are required to search for a job and a place to rent. They are also required to work with the program's mentor, and try parenting counseling if needed. The couple have rent money, Schreiber said, because of the father's monthly disability check, but not enough for first and last month's rent and a deposit -- which can range from $1,000 to $1,500. Both parents continue to search for work, and they have a car. It has been difficult, however, because of their age and skill level, Schreiber said. The father is a disabled veteran in his 40s. His wife, in her mid-30s, has few work skills. Their son requires special care and medication. They are on the Oregon Health Plan, but it does not cover all of the son's medications. Those interested in helping the couple with a move-in deposit, or helping Ashland's church shelter program, can call Schreiber at 779-8564 or 488-3886. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA