CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Housing struggles stymie family's stability

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers the stories of those applying for help. This is one of them.

“Allison,” 25, started using methamphetamines at 15 to help her cope with mental illness and the stigma she experienced because of her mental health issues. As a teenager, she was struggling and didn’t find the support she needed within her immediate family.

Her mental health problems and subsequent drug abuse eventually led to her first possession charge in 2016. That also meant losing custody of her child, a daughter, who was only 7 months old. Allison's mother was able to provide foster care.

Allison became pregnant again and got sober. But during a car accident in the spring of 2020, she was ejected 150 feet from the vehicle, and another passenger, who was one of Allison's closest friends, died in the accident. Allison spent 17 days in the hospital, but the loss was more than she could take. Allison relapsed into drug use again.

“It was one of those things I just couldn’t handle,” Allison told Press Christmas for All.

Following a second possession charge, her probation officer intervened and got Allison into Mental Health Court.

Allison’s commitment to recovery stuck.

Following months of difficult work, Allison earned back custody of both of her children, now ages 3 and 5. Because of her diligence in staying off substances and countless hours of work on her recovery, Allison has recently celebrated 13 months sober and continues to meet all of her program requirements.

Allison now lives with her husband and children in a 30-foot trailer. Even with both parents working, the family is in danger of having their water shut off at the end of the month. She says her biggest challenge has been finding affordable housing.

Having arranged stable housing last year, Allison’s family was renting a place, but last November the property sold. Despite having been promised that nothing with her rental arrangement would change, the new landlord gave Allison’s family a 30-day eviction notice, with no explanation, in February.

Allison secured temporary housing in a trailer park.

The trailer they're living in isn't big enough to accommodate Allison and her husband, two active children and two dogs, one of which is a certified emotional support animal.

Allison said she and her husband have spent a lot of money on applications for suitable housing, but with a felony on her record, they've had no success.

“The housing situation is really hard,” Allison said. “I wish someone would have grace for people.”

To help her family maintain dependable transportation to get to school, work, medical appointments and meetings she needs to attend that support her commitment to sober living, the family is seeking help to buy new tires for their 2005 Ford Focus. They also need help funding some secure housing as they move forward in life.

A referring partner who knows Allison well says she's “working so hard and is continuing on a positive path. The thing that strikes me the most is her attitude. She is so positive and her outlook on life is so much better.”

Press Christmas for All donations go to help Kootenai County residents like Allison, who are striving to find success in their lives despite difficult circumstances.

This is the 36th year that Press Christmas for All has sought to brighten the lives of 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 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 CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

Here are four ways to donate:

• 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 2021.
• 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.

DONORS

Dean Opsal; In Memory Of Piper; Arthur & Nancy Flagan; Bradley & Catrin Stoddard; Gwen Letson; John & Wilma Ednie; Jeff & Sandy Medved; Sherrill & Patrick McCullough; Hans & Linda Juergensen; Harold & Christian Markiewicz; Barbara Nelson; Richard Fields; In Loving Memory Of Harry & Betty Fields; John & Patti Dixon; Charles & Cynthia Matthews; In Memory Of Carol Sorenson & Maj Stormo Gipson; Emon & Vicki Olson; Ken & Sherry Beno; Kathy & Russell DiBiase; Donald Sausser; Louise Rossi

Donors Over $500

Mary Adams; In Memory of Chuck Sr. & Chuck Jr. Adams; Lance Carle; North Idaho Corvette Club; In Memory Jerry Justice; Kootenai Charities, Inc.;Joseph & Traci Parrish; Robert Gridley; Sheila Gray; J & H Yuditsky; Janet Atchley; Joe & Kathy Ornelas