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CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Mom goes from homeless to house mother

by ELLI GOLDMAN HILBERT
Staff Writer | November 27, 2021 1:08 AM

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.

“Julie” is a single mom of two children, ages 10 and 17.

Working through addiction issues and a jail sentence that disrupted her family’s stability has been a struggle. But Julie found assistance from a shelter to get back on her feet, and she's making the most of it.

Since “hitting rock bottom and losing everything,” Julie recently celebrated 15 months of sobriety. She's now serving others as a house manager for St. Vincent de Paul, where she lives and spends much of her time mentoring others.

Despite a prison sentence and a subsequent eviction, Julie regained custody of both of her children. She's only a couple of classes away from completing her outpatient treatment program.

It hasn’t been an easy road though and more struggles lie ahead, but Julie is ready to face them head-on.

Following eviction in July 2020, Julie was homeless for over a year. She stayed with her stepfather in a one-bedroom apartment, where Julie slept on the floor for a short time. Her stepfather’s alcoholism became dangerous when he got physically violent with her, so she packed up her kids and left.

With nowhere to turn, Julie connected with the shelter and found that they had room for her.

Having lived there since July 2021, Julie said she is “blessed to have made it to where (she is) today” and is working to solve her problems, one step at a time.

Shortly after arriving, directors at the shelter saw some leadership qualities in her, she said.

Working as a house manager has given her a lot of confidence, Julie said.

“Watching other guests improve is really rewarding,” Julie told Press Christmas for all.

Julie’s vehicle is in dire need of repair. The brakes are going out, it needs some standard maintenance, the windows don’t roll down and the heater doesn’t work, Julie said.

The vehicle is vital to the family as Julie maintains her sobriety, attends meetings in support of her programs and takes care of her children.

Those who have worked with Julie say she's not only “serious about her sobriety and motivated to better her situation,” but that she has also signed up for college courses and is a “wonderful mentor and example to other guests.”

Julie has registered for business and accounting courses at North Idaho College. She also has plans to help her 17-year-old son realize his dreams of starting a landscaping business.

“We’re going to do that together,” Julie said.

Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. 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, veterans, the 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 CharityReimagined.Org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

Here are four ways you can 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.