Christmas will be a little more comfortable for two families who had been living in their cars after residents rallied around them and found them homes.

A week after published articles on the plight of the families both are now settled in .

Both Bermudians and non-Bermudians came to their aid offering everything ? money, hopes of employment, somewhere for the children to do their homework, beds, pillows, furniture and, what they needed most of all, a place to lie their heads.

While the families have asked not to be named, both mothers offered thanks to the community and said they are in awe at the generosity and help offered to them.

The first family said it was so great to be able to have a home to come home to.

"I am glad I have a key to turn," the mother said"My son has livened up now, it has put some more spirit into my son's life.

"It's like someone gave him energy pills.

"He is happy and talking more and is looking forward to life again ? his birthday is on Boxing Day and it will be great to just enjoy it together.

"Anyone would think that we were now living in a palace, but it is a home to come home to, and that's all that matters.

"We are so grateful and thankful."

The other woman whose plight highlighted last week said this was the greatest Christmas gift that she had ever received.

She and her son, who called 'Bill', had been living in their car for several months.

Bill's mother, extended her thanks to people who helped her family ? people she does not know and may never know.

She said: "We are so grateful, I only did the article because I wanted to let people know that everyone does not have a perfect life and that sometimes circumstances are beyond your control.

"My son and I wish that we had asked for help sooner, rather than trying to go it alone, we just didn't realise that so many people would open up the homes or offer us so much.

"This is the greatest Christmas that we will ever have.

"We have somewhere comfortable to sleep, and the beds we received from anonymous donors feel so good.

"This is the first time that Bill and I have been able to stretch out.

"School is out now, but Bill is looking forward to being able to go to school in a clean and ironed uniform.

"He is looking forward to doing his homework.

"There has been a transformation in his life and he wants to go to college and to achieve everything.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone ? I am overcome with joy and gratitude.

"Thank you all for reaching out and touching our lives."

The Coalition for the Protection of Children, as with were inundated with calls offering assistance after stories on the two women ran in the paper.

But callers also reported families still living in tents and great need still exists in the community.

Bermuda's housing problem has not ended with the two families that were successfully housed last week, if you think you can help contact the Coalition on 295-1150.