Families attend The Family Haven for many reasons – some need the basics that many of us take for granted, and look for a hot daily meal, access to our second hand clothing store and use of our bathroom and laundry. Others attend so they can avail of our counselling and advocate service, parenting classes and information sessions. But one thing they all have in common is a need for support at this particular time in their lives. The case studies below describe some of the difficulties facing families we assist. Names have been changed.