Needy family faces new challenges

Last Christmas, Michael and Leah Short spent the night in their car. The family had been evicted from a motel where they lived with their two young sons after Michael lost his job and they fell behind in rent.

When the staff at Spruce Elementary in Lynnwood, where Kevin Short is now a second-grader, learned of the family's situation, they scrambled to find temporary housing and raise money to help the Shorts settle into an apartment. Seattle Times readers, moved by the family's plight at the holiday season, donated almost $9,000.

A year later, Michael Short is working in Seattle as a night security guard. The family is still living in the Lynnwood apartment that the school staff found and helped furnish. But despite the relative stability, the family has faced setbacks.

Teachers at Spruce Elementary suspected Kevin had learning disabilities. Earlier this year, the 8-year-old was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Doctors at Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center in Seattle are working with the Shorts to determine the best treatment, and while the parents notice improvement, they say school can still be a struggle for him.

And the family's finances are still precarious.

Leah Short stays home to take care of their 4-year-old son. Michael's salary is just enough to meet monthly expenses, but not to cover the unexpected.

The boys were hoping for "Ben 10" watches for Christmas, wrist toys that turn into fantasy creatures. But their mom said there might not be many presents this year.

"Keeping a roof over their heads. That may be what we give them for Christmas this year," she said.