Coping with Downturn

Bunny Hodas put her Charlotte house on the market 11/2 years ago and has had only eight showings.

Bill and Betty Rowland have kept watch in hotel pools for hours and schmoozed at black-tie dinners, helping their clients catch cheating spouses or track down missing relatives.

Scott and Julie Hamilton opened BounceU, a party place with giant inflatable slides, rock-climbing walls and obstacle courses, just before the recession hit last year.

Late spring is always busy for Denise Carlton. As swimming pools open for the summer, the human resources director for Carolina Pool Management normally spends her days searching for lifeguards and managers to fill remaining openings.

The down economy means competition for seasonal work is stiffer.

Paradise Valley golf course and the Lost Duffer miniature golf course are designed for novices.

Part 3: Other cities show efforts can ease suffering – and save money.

Bond programs have spurred development of affordable housing, but much of it is out of reach for the neediest.

About five years ago, Holly and Christopher Grouse started their business on a whim.