Homeless - but not helpless
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers stories of people applying for help. Here’s one of them.
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Though he struggles with homelessness, this local man offers his help to anyone who needs it.
“Joseph” is a college-educated man who worked in robotics until his health failed and he was no longer able to work in his field.
He didn’t just lose his health and his job — he lost everything else, too. After turning to alcohol, he became homeless for the first time in his life at 62 years old.
On two occasions this year, police discovered his hidden camping spots and confiscated his belongings. The experiences traumatized Joseph, who was already struggling to cope with his homelessness and health problems.
When Joseph first came into the 2nd Street Commons this summer, he said, “I have nothing to give, but I’m good at helping.”
Since then, he’s been true to his word.
“He knows how to do everything,” Pastor Gar Mickelson said. “He’s the guy we find when something breaks.”
Joseph comes to the Commons each day at 5 a.m. to help, starting with brewing a pot of coffee. Skilled in many areas, he was also hired through a work services program.
Although he’s still homeless, Joseph’s outlook on life has changed. He got his driver’s license back and his health is improving.
This Christmas, the items on Joseph’s wish list are practical: a sleeping mat, winter boots, a warm coat. He would also benefit from a gift card to buy groceries or a prepaid phone card so he can keep in touch with his support system.
This is the 34th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need. Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp.
The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled, homeless and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level.
The beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All are going to keep their dignity intact while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.
Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Charity Reimagined. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.
With a shorter holiday giving season than usual, please make your donation sooner than later. Here are four ways to do it:
- Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814
- Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176
- Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2019.
- Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
The donations are coming in. Here’s who contributed recently:
Mark and Marlo Faulkner; Edward Leach; George Minehart; Jack Sullivan; Donald Schierman; In Memory of Esther Ludeman; Michael Case; James and Alison Kenway; Audrey Schutz; Dorothy Clark; Pat Dyke; Ronald and Beverly Noble; Rick Hill, In Memory of Ray and Ruth Jones; Josephine and Jerry Prophet; In Memory of Evelyn Brocklehurst; Dale, Sharon and David Anderson; Michael and Nancy Presti; Lennis McLeod; Clifford Bowman; Rodney and Debra Colwell; In Memory of our Grandson Dustin J. Peterson; In Memory of our Mom’s and Sandee; Dorothy and Diane; Paul and C. Virginia Westhafer; Ione Perry; James and Joy Drechsel; Brent and Ann Unruh; Lake City Tappers; Jack and Cherie Shinn; Thomas and Eileen DuHamel; Merle and Jerry Jaques; Katherine Phillips; Joseph and Shirley Seward; Kenneth and Sherry Beno; Alan and Mary Pettit; Barbara Brouillard; R. F. Link; Earl and Georgann Folk; Grutta Family; Owen-Jensen Family; Darrel and Beverly Wilson; Robert and Susan Mortensen; John and Susan McGinnis; Bunny and Scott Andrews
Donations $500 or more:
In Memory of Fritz and Anne Kindler as well as Ann Neuman; Atchley Financial Group, INC.; Longwell + Trapp Architects; Don and Sally Allen Family; Ed and Terri Morse; William and Janice Bodlander; The Kiwanis Club of Coeur d’Alene.