Recession takes toll on mother, daughter
The Great Recession took a big toll on this mother and daughter, who are now living in a homeless shelter.
Forced to sell their condo in 2008, the little family moved to Post Falls. The mom planned to attend North Idaho College full-time and work.
"We were living off survivor benefits from my husband, who had passed," the mother said. "My car turned out to be a lemon, and I wasn't able to keep my job. We had to move out of our townhouse and had nowhere to go."
With her credit card maxed and desperate for a place to live, the mom and daughter moved into the home of a man the mother was dating. But that relationship soured and turned abusive.
During this time, the woman fractured her ankle in three places, leading to a $52,000 medical bill.
At the mother's lowest moment, Union Gospel Mission opened its doors in Coeur d'Alene.
"We were so blessed to be accepted there with a fresh start," she said. "It has been a 180-degree chance to forever change our future."
It has allowed her to pay off many of her debts.
She's looking for a job now, while she completes Union Gospel Mission's required 240 hours of volunteer work as a secretary at a local counseling office.
Her daughter will turn 16 in February, and the mom said the teen is more than ready for her own room and her own bed.
"She is a sweetheart who has been through a lot of challenges while coming into her own," the mother said. "She deserves more than I have to offer at this time in our lives."
With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for people like this - the jobless, homeless, those who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.
Each year, our generous readers' donations allow us to assist thousands of Kootenai County families in need. Each day until Christmas, we will share the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.
Donations are collected, then distributed in the form of gift cards to Kootenai County residents in need.
Press Christmas for All is a holiday charity now in its 29th year. It is managed as a nonprofit by The Hagadone Corp. Because it is run by volunteers from The Hagadone Corp. and their partners at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards from local retailers who also generously support the program. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.
To give, please send a check to:
Press Christmas for All, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.
You can also call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and donate by credit card.
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Recent donors include: Jack Schnabl; Mike Miller; Paul and Mary Lou Wilson; Linda and Clifford Deas; Donald and Charlotte Keane; Richard and Shirlee Wandrocke; Roberta Manley, in memory of Oliver Manley.