Two things:

1. Why is a Palo Alto Resident using the MV Senior Center of subsidized lunches?

2. "He doesn't want to take a job at a department store or restaurant, on account of his pride." Not to mention he'd have to compete with the illegal competition for those low-hanging jobs.

I am glad the Voice published this story. It is something many of us can relate to.
I am a college graduate, I worked for Stanford for nearly 15 years. When my job ended I buoyed myself with a positive attitude; I was sure that with all my connections I'd find other employment soon enough. NOT!!
Instead, I had health problems and had to attend to those. I kept paying my COBRA, then when that ran out I payed into the individual conversion plan. Alarmed at how rapidly my savings were being depleted, I, too, moved back in with the folks at the age of 42 - after being out of the house and independent since college graduation. Surprisingly, I looked around my old neighborhood and discovered a number of high-school acquaintences had had to do the same thing!
While it can be a difficult adjustment to make, the folks & I helped each other out a lot during those years (I now have my own place in Mountain View), provided one another with companionship, conversation, & renewed our sense of family. In retrospect, I am grateful for the time we had together.

I feel sorry for the mother. Yes, the situation is bad.The boy needs to swallow his pride and help support the family. He seems like a leech. He should have absolutely no say in anything since he is a non paying tenant. Guess he is using his money for the gym. No sympathy for him here

I too can relate to this mans situation, unfortunately I don't have the luxury of moving back in with the folks? My wife and I and our 2 young children are making it "ok" so far, but we're worried about our future. I have been unemployed for a year and a half after being employed by a local company for 5 years.

I'm 42 and have always had no problem getting work being in the construction industry and that's what I thought after losing my job, but after sending out MANY resumes I have only had ONE interview that seemed promising until I didn't get the job. I have been fortunate to receive regular unemployment checks, but in the back of my mind dreading that day the unemployment runs out. My wifes income is not reliable, especially with this economy, and with no employment prospects so far I don't see how we can make it.

We try and remain optimistic but even that's getting harder and harder to do these days?

Bills are piling up, credit card companies are calling, we make too much money from my unemployment checks to receive government assistance (food stamps, cash aide, medical), but yet foreigners and illegals can and pool their money living in the same home together? It really doesn't seem fair to those of us who try and do things the right way... what to do, what to do? Pray.

You're more than welcome to explore the cost benefits of co-housing, no matter if you are a native or a "foreigner."

I can totally relate to this story. I had to go on disability a year ago, to have carpal tunnel surgery on both of my hands. At the time, I was commuting to San Francisco every day and working on the computer 8 hours a day, and now it is impossible to return to that position. I lost my health insurance after 12 weeks.
At the same time, my husband was laid off from his job. A few months later, one of our daughters moved in with us, and when she moved out another daughter moved in with us. Fortunately, we get along very well and are extremely resourceful. We've had a financial struggle for the last year, but we are hanging in there!
I want to remind everyone that if you are unemployed or underemployed, you can qualify for the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center program. While it is practically impossible to get through to them on the phone (you have to call at 7 am and stay on hold for at least a half an hour), they do provide good medical care ONCE you get in to their program. They have helped me and my family through many medical problems in the last year!

wow mom's getting discounted lunches, son still has gym membership. is mom paying for that as well. what a slacker!!! he should be taking any job he can dept store , fast food, digging ditches.

doesn't PA have a senior center offering discounted lunches? Does the MV senior center provided lunch to any swinging joe or joan that shows up at the door? seems like the system could be easily abused.