They realized there weren't any services available at that time.

It was a frightening time.

We came up here from South Carolina three weeks ago. Barbara drives a bus, and I got a job as an auto mechanic. But the cheapest place we found costs $750 a month, so we need to save up at least $1,500 before we can move in. In the meantime, here we are.

It gives me a place to work from,

[But perhaps the greatest change over years has come in the form of higher expectations.] Parents today, ... expect their kids will participate in the full life of the community.

so they can see what life can be like when they get older and get an apartment and a job.