How has the meltdown impacted people around you?

It's an old statistical/surveying trick that you can get more useful, wide-ranging, and accurate information out of people by asking about those they know rather than themselves. So in that spirit, to gather information, please share with us any tales about the downturn involving friends, relatives, aquaintances, co-workers, etc.

Are people around you "on the edge" or have they already gone over? Do you personally know anyone in truly dire straights? In what way have you seen those around you impacted, from little things like cutting back on meals out to big things like homelessness, etc.?

Thanks in advance for sharing.