The Sagrero family, back row: Amilcar, 11; Vanessa, 12; and Karen, 9. In front, father German holds Jonathan, 3; mother Genenova holds Nancy, 2.

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Family learns to get by in cramped quarters

three-year-old Jonathan Sagrero would love to have a bicycle. But even if he got one, he couldn't keep it. There's just no room.

It's a feat of creative engineering fitting the members of the Sagrero family into their tiny but immaculate one-bedroom San Jose apartment. The parents, Genenova and German, sleep on the floor in the living room with Nancy, 2. The other four children -- Vanessa, 12; Amilcar, 11; Karen, 9; and Jonathan, 3 -- share the small bedroom. They hang their stuffed animals from the ceiling to save space.

``When the kids hear shouting and fighting out in the streets at night, we tell them not to worry,'' says Genenova through an interpreter. ``Anyone would have to get by us first in the living room before they got to the kids.''

Most of German's salary, working as an auto detailer at a San Jose car dealership, goes toward their $1,000 rent. They don't run the heat or celebrate birthdays so they can save money. The family has its hopes pinned on education as the key to each child's future.

``We're focusing all our energy on the kids and school,'' Genenova says. ``We're hoping they get scholarships to go to college.''

They see Vanessa, an honor roll student at Willow Glen Middle School, as a role model for the rest. Vanessa, Amilcar and Karen go to the Homework Club at Sacred Heart Community Services every day after school and Genenova attends an English class while the two youngest go to preschool.

A table with seven chairs ($600) (6A) would allow the family to gather for meals. A futon for Genenova and German ($150) (6B), a full mattress for Vanessa and Karen to share ($65) (6C), a twin for Amilcar ($50) (6D) and blankets for all ($15 each) (6E) would improve the sleeping arrangements. The kids also need uniforms for school ($75 each) (6F). A small luxury would be a small CD player-radio to bring music into their apartment ($129) (6G).

To help other families like the Sagreros, Sacred Heart could use donations toward food baskets ($10 each) (6H) and blankets ($15 each) (6I).

For more information on Sacred Heart Community Services, go to www.shcstheheart.org.

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