PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Rent assistance helps family keep place to live
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them.
Having an RV for a home was supposed to be a temporary fix for "Cassie," "Ben" and their three kids, ages 13, 9 and 2.
The family has been working with Press Christmas for All referring partner Mountain States Early Head Start for some time, as two of their children are developmentally delayed.
Ben and Cassie planned to keep the RV on property they were in the process of buying. Two days before closing on the property, Ben lost his job. At the time the family connected with Charity Reimagined and Press Christmas for All, Ben was driving for Door Dash to try to make ends meet. Cassie has an associate degree but is unable to work because of medical issues.
"Cassie has been able to keep her family together through some tough times and has been able to make all of their appointments for all family members," the family's Christmas for All applicant story reads.
The family has been staying in a local RV park. They asked Press Christmas for All for help so they don't lose their space. At the time of the request, they only had enough money to pay rent for one more week.
Press Christmas for All paid the next month's space rental directly to the RV park so Ben could continue to look for work without the stress of the family losing their place to live.
Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. Less than 1% of the funds raised go to overhead costs.
The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living in poverty.
Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity 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, 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. at 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
A heartfelt thanks to our recent donors
Jerry & Elizabeth Rose, James Coleman, Michael Friedrich, Claudia Landon, Thomas Moorhouse, Terrell Smith, Lea Williams, Virginia Yost, Judy Lyle, Larry & Laurie Schwenke, Christianne Cheney, Linda Fabian/Bright Beginnings Welcoming Service, James W. Ummel/Inland Insurance Advisors LLC, Keith & Barbara Gilbertson, Robert Hardy, Donna Walker, Coeur D'Alene Dental Center Team/ Drs. KC & Sara McVey & Dr. Jason Han, Eric & Michelle Haakenson, Pam Nilges In Memory of Bob Nilges, Dennis & Carlene Cada, Keith E. & Susan M. Hill, Robert B Burton, In Memory of Eleanor Smith, In Memory of Fern Johnston, Gerald and Janice Tice, Duane & Sharon Fitch, Linda Nelson, John F Kaupp & Connie Summer-Kaupp, Patrick & Renee Miller, Peter & Elke Braunlich, Nelson & Leslie Gourley, Marian & James Mays, Robert & Mary Woods, Robert Wallace, A. Joseph Meshishnek
