CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Homeless family gets hand up

Soon after married couple “Kayla” and “Matthew” became homeless last year, they learned they were expecting their second child.

At night, in 12-degree weather, Kayla and her 10-year-old son slept in the back of the family’s car, bundled up in blankets. Matthew stayed awake so he could keep the car running and prevent them all from freezing. During the day, Kayla brought her son to her food service job and had him sit in the lobby so he wouldn’t be cold.

“It got really bad,” Kayla said.

They were still homeless when their second son was born, though thanks to Family Promise of North Idaho, they were no longer living out of their car. Their baby was born with medical problems, including scoliosis, that made it even more urgent for Matthew and Kayla to find permanent housing.

After a recommendation from Panhandle Health District, Christmas for All bought a set of snow tires for Kayla’s car, which had been skidding on icy roads. The program also paid the family’s storage unit bill for three months when they couldn’t afford it.

“If we lost our storage unit, that was everything we owned,” Kayla said.

Christmas for All also provided the family with gift cards for groceries, which helped them get by in the immediate period after Matthew got a better-paying job and they no longer qualified for food assistance.

“You guys helped us get through it,” Kayla said.

The family has since moved into an apartment. Though Matthew and Kayla are still getting their feet under them, they’re optimistic about the future.

“No matter how rough it gets, it can get better,” Kayla said. “You have to work really hard.”

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 including families with young children, the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working but unable to make ends meet, especially with the dramatic increase in the cost of living in Kootenai County.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity while the community provides a hand-up to help get them back on their feet. They are asked to pitch in a little bit toward their award to remind them of their capacity and resourcefulness. The “co-pay” is small and calculated on a sliding scale of income, but ensures these neighbors actively participate in their award. 

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. Christmas for All is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Here are four ways to donate:

• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All and make a secure, online donation.

• 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.

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