When an apartment complex goes up in flames, it doesn't just rob Mike Cooper (Jeff Daniels) of his home -- it puts him out of his job as building superintendent. Mike and his family move in with his brother Eddie (Scott Marlowe) while he looks for employment as an electrician. But, after butting heads with their relatives, the Coopers have to move out. Now living in a homeless shelter, Scott and his wife Zan (Christine Lahti) struggle to survive and keep their children out of harm's way.