Fighting back from homelessness
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of some of the people applying for help. Here’s one of them.
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When this young mom escaped an abusive marriage, she brought nothing with her but her four children.
Her oldest child has special needs. Her youngest was only a few months old when she fled her husband’s physical, emotional and financial abuse.
“The scariest moment was when I went to the shelter and they showed me a list of all the ways an abuser can abuse someone,” she told Press Christmas for All. “I could check every box.”
Her former husband had racked up thousands of dollars of debt in her name, which made it challenging to find a place to rent. She and her kids were homeless until recently, and she’s still getting back on her feet. It’s hard to make a home from scratch on a limited income.
“I had no furniture, no dishes,” she said. “I’ve had to buy everything.”
That doesn’t leave much left over for the holidays.
“As hard as it is to start new, it’s doable,” she said. “My life is turning around. Christmas is the last thing I need to feel like I’ve made it.”
This is the 33rd year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need during the holiday season.
Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. The money collected is distributed in the form of gift cards to those who might not otherwise be able to put a holiday meal on the table or purchase a small gift for a child.
The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level. They are barely making ends meet and they do not qualify for other holiday charity programs.
Some are responsible for children, others are alone throughout the holiday season. Despair is a common factor. But through Christmas for All, they feel the compassion of a caring community during what can be a very difficult time of year for them.
Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.
Every penny raised is distributed to needy Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. and the volunteers at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.
Donations can be made by dropping off or mailing a check to: Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
To donate online, visit cdapress.com. Click on the menu on the left side of the page to find Christmas for All 2018.
To make a donation by phone using your credit card, call 208-664-8176.
RECENT DONORS:
Donald and Donna Bresemann; Donna Walker; Victor and Ellen Lewis; Chuck and Margie Adams in Loving Memory of Chuck, Jr.; Art and Nancy Flagan; Paul Kingston; Ron, Sandy and Staci McCoy; Leland and Lyndell Erwin; Barbara Brouillard and Rhonda Shippy; Jack Schnabl and Brenda Ritzenthaler.
OVER $500 CLUB:
William and Janice Bodlander; Ward and Martha Stewart.