SEQUIM — Worried that her key to freedom was going to be repossessed, Linda Parks turned to the Peninsula Home Fund for help.
“The Home Fund helped me keep my scooter, which I depend on to survive,” she said.
These days, she is limited in how much she can stand or walk because of health issues, including a congestive heart condition, pulmonary edema and heat intolerance.
She feared that without the motorized wheelchair, she would be stuck at home like a ship stranded on a reef, totally dependent on others for her care.
Medicare helped her get the scooter by paying the bulk of the cost. But she still needed to come up with the co-pay — $587.
Initially, she thought she would be able to save up the money by scrimping on food and other essentials, but when the demand for the co-pay and other past-due bills started coming, reality set in.
She simply did not have the money.
When it looked like her scooter would be taken back by the provider, she was put in touch with the OlyCAP office in Port Angeles.
‘I’m so thankful’
OlyCAP is nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency-care agency in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
It also screens the applicants for the Peninsula Daily News’ “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund and distributes the funds.
OlyCAP was able to provide her with $100 from the Home Fund and find funds in other programs to help Parks pay that past-due co-pay in full.
“The Home Fund helped when I really needed it,” said Parks. “I’m so thankful.”
A year ago, Linda lost her home to foreclosure.
Her car broke down, requiring a major repair she couldn’t afford.
Single, she was grateful her limited monthly retirement and Social Security income gave her the means to move into an apartment at The Vintage at Sequim, an independent-living community for seniors and those with disabilities.
Linda, 61, fits both classes.
But with her scooter, she can go outside her apartment and take a bus to the food bank.
“The bus steps turn into a ramp. I can just drive right up and inside the bus,” she said.
“It’s amazing. I can travel anywhere public transit goes.”
She volunteers in a rescue program that cares for abandoned or abused French bulldogs and finds them new homes.
She has two as pets, Peanut and Pippa.
“I love bulldogs for their personality and because they don’t need exercise, and now I can’t exercise,” she said.
She saved her money and recently was able to afford a “pet loo” (a type of indoor-lawn toilet designed for pets of apartment dwellers), so she no longer needs to escort them outside when duty calls.
“God knows things are so difficult as it is when we are forced to move, either because we lost our home, can’t care for our homes anymore or can’t live on our own anymore because of age or disability,” said Parks.
“So when others step in to help, it lifts a person up like a breath of fresh air.”
She paused, then noted that she had done “a lot of community service in my life.
“But I never thought I’d need help myself.
“I’m so grateful for the help I’ve received from this community.”
Home Fund campaign
The PDN’s Peninsula Home Fund — a safety net for local residents when there is nowhere else to turn — is seeking contributions for its annual holiday season fundraising campaign that runs from Thanksgiving through Dec. 31.
From Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to Sequim and LaPush, the Home Fund is a “hand up, not a handout” for children, teens, families and the elderly to get through an emergency situation.
Money from the Home Fund goes for hot meals for seniors, meeting rent, energy and transportation needs, warm winter coats for kids, home repairs for the low-income, needed eyeglasses and prescription drugs, dental work, safe and drug-free temporary housing . . .
The list goes on and on.
Begun in 1989, the Home Fund is supported by Jefferson and Clallam residents.
Individuals, couples, families, businesses, churches, service organizations and school groups set a record for contributions in 2011 — $254,593.73.
With heavy demand this year, the carefully rationed fund is being depleted rapidly.
Since Jan. 1, the Home Fund has helped more than 2,700 individuals and households like that of Linda Parks.
As we move into winter, the toughest period of the year, all of the money collected in 2011 is expected to be exhausted by Dec. 31.
■ The Peninsula Home Fund is a unique nonprofit program.
No money is deducted by the Peninsula Daily News.
Every penny, 100 percent, goes to OlyCAP to help the most vulnerable members of our community, from infants to families to seniors.
Because of the extraordinary demand experienced by OlyCAP in 2011 and 2012 — and plummeting cutbacks in grants and government support — for the first time in the 24-year history of the Home Fund, OlyCAP used a portion of the fund in 2012 to pay for the helping hands who see clients.
The amount is limited to no more than 10 percent — 10 cents of every dollar donated.
OlyCAP has kept it below 10 percent — specifically, 8.9 percent.
The fund is not set up to hand out money passively.
OlyCAP can no longer absorb the costs of managing all the facets of the Home Fund — screening applicants, providing counseling and carefully disbursing the funds — without financial assistance.
It must tap a small portion of the fund as tough times compound the challenges it faces to help those in need.
■ The Home Fund is not a welfare program.
Assistance, which usually averages less than $100, is also limited to one time in a 12-month period.
The average amount of help this year has been about $57 per family.
As needed, Peninsula Home Fund donations are also used in conjunction with money from churches, service clubs and other donors, enabling OlyCAP to stretch the value of the contribution.
The Home Fund staff’s most important goal is to get the individual or family through a crisis and back on the path of self-sufficiency.
Whenever possible, case managers work with each individual or family to develop a plan to become financially stable — and avoid a recurrence of the emergency that prompted aid from the fund.
The goal again: “a hand up, not a handout.”
■ All contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible for the year in which a check is written.
(See accompanying story.)
■ Your personal information is kept confidential.
The PDN does not rent, sell, give or otherwise share your address or other information with anyone or make any other use of it.
Applying for a grant
To apply for a Peninsula Home Fund grant, phone OlyCAP at 360-452-4726 (Clallam County) or 360-385-2571 (Jefferson County).
■ OlyCAP’s Port Angeles office is at 228 W. First St., Suite J (Armory Square Mall); 360-452-4726.
■ Its Port Townsend office is at 803 W. Park Ave.; 360-385-2571.
■ The Forks/West End office is at 421 Fifth Ave.; 360-374-6193.
OlyCAP’s website: www.olycap.org; email: action@olycap.org.
If you have any questions about the fund, phone John Brewer, Peninsula Daily News editor and publisher, at 360-417-3500.
Or email him at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
Peninsula Daily News publishes the donation coupon and information about the fund every Sunday and Wednesday during the fundraising campaign.
While most of the money is raised between Thanksgiving and Dec. 31, the fund itself never closes.
Donations of any amount are always welcome.
Contributions so far
Here is a list of donors whose contributions were processed between Nov. 23 and Nov. 30.
Thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors like Linda Parks:
■ Kathryn J. Hofer, Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Dale Hofer and thankful for family.
■ Joanne Bailey, Port Townsend — $50. In memory of parents and husband.
■ Dave Dau, Port Angeles — $250. In honor of the working poor in Clallam County.
■ Laura Horrocks, Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Allan and Gar.
■ Renate B. Melvey, Sequim — $50.
■ Andy and Jeanne Jubb, Carlsborg — $100. In loving memory of our dear friend Marian Platt.
■ Bob and Leola Reeve, Sequim — $200.
■ Gary and Dianne Salyer, Sequim — $100.
■ Charlie Byrd, Sequim — $150. In memory of Karen Byrd, my Grandma I never got to meet. Camden Byrd.
■ Stanley and Janine Moore, Forks — $50.
■ Robert and Marybelle Brown, Nordland — $75.
■ Carol Lee and Robin Moses, Carlsborg — $400.
■ Heien Family, Sequim — $212. In memory of Irene and Rita.
■ Joe and Dee Blanchard, Sequim — $100.
■ William and Jeanne Manzer, Sequim — $200.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
■ Gary and Jan Holmquist, Port Angeles. In loving memory of our son, Danny Holmquist.
■ AMS Audio Enterprises Inc., Sequim.
■ Olympic Springs Inc., Carlsborg.
■ Lucille Caughron, Sequim. Merry Christmas, Lois McGuire.
■ Lucille Caughron, Sequim. In memory of Leonard Caughron.
■ Donald L. Claussen and Pat Bettz, Sequim. In honor of Rose Roselli.
■ Julian and Maureen McCabe, Port Angeles. In honor of our six grandchildren.
■ Bruce and Gerri Ferguson, Port Angeles. In honor of Max De La Cruz.
■ Karen Winters, Port Angeles. In memory of E. Clare Winters.
■ Kenneth (Mike) and Patti Brandt, Sequim. In memory of Mildred Brame.
■ Kathleen E. Devanney, Port Townsend. In memory of Margaret Devanney.
■ Hazel Vail, Port Angeles. In memory of Ken Vail.
■ Dennis A. Duncan, Port Angeles. In memory of Dorothy.
■ Steve and Sandy Munger, Port Angeles. In memory of Matthew.
■ Keith Pardue, Port Angeles. In memory of Cricket Pardue. Thanks for sharing a life well-lived.
■ Don and Phyllis Thompson, Port Angeles. In honor of Mathilda Thompson.
■ Teddy A. Gaskill, Port Angeles. In memory of my sweet husband, William.
■ Linda Anderson, Sequim.
■ Monica Mansfield, Sequim.
■ Robert Foster, Sammamish.
■ Leila Roberts, Port Angeles. In memory of Dan Roberts Sr.
■ Charlotte and Ken Patterson, Port Angeles.
■ Bud Critchfield, Sequim.
■ Judy Munro, Port Angeles. In loving memory of my parents, Tom and Sally Munro.
■ Kathleen Balducci and Family, Port Angeles. In memory of Bal, our parents and loved ones.
■ Larry and Marilynn Elliott, Sequim.
■ Inge Magrs, Sequim. In memory of Bill Magrs.
■ Nancy and Ed Grier, Port Angeles.
■ Don and Jean Eggert, Sequim.
■ WA Alpha Zeta Master/Beta Sigma Phi, Sequim. In memory of Eva Harpst.
■ Gregg Hill and Linda Holmberg, Port Angeles.
■ Richard Serkes and Theresa Killgore, Port Angeles.
■ Michael and Sharon Kaulakis, Port Angeles.
■ Brian Roe and Linda Abbott-Roe, Port Townsend. In honor of Peg Stark, a dear lady.
■ Argyle Baukol, Sequim. In memory of Fay and Ken.
■ Patricia Bartlett, Sequim.
■ Robert C. Zech, Port Angeles.
■ Dr. Edward J. Zoble, Port Angeles.
■ Ann Thomas, Port Angeles. In memory of Alan Thomas.
■ John and Renee Jones, Sequim.
■ Ann and Fred Weinmann, Port Townsend.
■ Vivian Brown and Douglas Patt, Sequim.
■ Quail Hollow Psychotherapy, PLLC, Sequim.
■ Drs. Joseph L. and Judy M. Price, Sequim.
■ Marvin and Carolyn Morillo, Port Angeles.
■ Chris Minard, Carlsborg. In memory of Barbara.
■ Len and Linda Rasmussen, Port Angeles.
■ Larry and Sandy Davidson, Sequim.
■ Ellen and Ted Tsoneff, Port Angeles. In memory of Glenn Goldberg.
■ Norman Gallacci, Lacey. In memory of Judy Judkins (Gallacci), members of the Gallacci and Morris families and PAHS Class of 1957.
■ Alta Wilson, Port Angeles.
■ Bill Rinehart, Port Angeles.
■ Gwen Lovett, Port Townsend.
■ John and Marta Trowbridge, Sequim.
■ William and Katherine Hennessey, Port Angeles.
■ Ruth Lund, Port Angeles.
■ Darlene Jones, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Jim and Jeremy Jones.
■ Roger and Kay Paynter, Port Angeles. In memory of Holly Paynter.
■ W.W. King, Sequim. In memory of Ruth Storaasli.
■ Larry and Lynn Gosser, Port Angeles.
■ Ingrid Lehrer, Sequim.
■ Jim and Marci Thomsen, Port Angeles. In memory of Einer Thomsen and Ken Evans.
■ Jack and Sue Spears, Port Angeles.
■ Anna Rixon, Port Angeles. In memory of Tom Rixon.
■ Mary and Stefan Biskup, Port Townsend.
■ M.A. Peterson, Sequim. In memory of Bob Peterson.
■ Jim Drennan, Port Angeles.
■ Jack and Kaye Ronda, Sequim.
■ Hallett and Associates P.S., Port Angeles.
■ Virginia Woolf, Carlsborg.
■ Gunther and Lee Dohse, Chimacum.
■ Viki Kocha, Port Angeles.
■ Rosemary Cockrill, Port Angeles.
■ Richard and Etta Mac Donald, Port Ludlow.
■ Keith and Fran Wollen, Port Angeles.
■ Ted and Fredda Burton, Port Angeles.
■ Phil and Marian Meany, Port Townsend.
■ Eldora Pederson, Port Angeles.
■ Nydia Levick, Sequim.
■ Stan Johnson, Port Angeles.
■ Nick and Sandy Larson, Port Angeles. In memory of Fred, Bob and John Michalscheck.
■ Jill Blake, Sequim.
■ Ron and Sandy Casscles, Sequim.
■ Richard and Kandi Lohneis, Beaver. In memory of John Lohneis and Charlie and Shirley Fox.
■ Phil and Janie Hill, Port Angeles. In memory of Pat Woodcock and Arvil and Fran Sanford.
■ Janet Cattano, Sequim.
■ Larry and Darla Kalsbeek, Sequim. In memory of Kim Kalsbeek.
■ Donald and Edna Chicarell, Sequim.
■ Darryl Huddleston, Sequim. In honor of all veterans.
■ Chris and Valerie Mohr, Sekiu. In memory of Harold Van Riper.
■ Doug and Trudy Rittenhouse, Port Angeles.
■ Mr. and Mrs. Neil Eklund, Sequim.
■ Charles and Donna Brown, Port Angeles.
■ Ed and Carolyn Fjerstad, Sequim. In memory of Burnie Fjerstad and Mary Nosko.
■ Voneda Stiewe, Chimacum.
■ Sue and C.V. Tondreau, Sequim.
■ Carolyn and Ray Braun, Port Angeles. In memory of Roxana Holden.
■ Mrs. Beverly Smola, Sequim. In memory of son Tommy Carlin.
■ Richard Matthews, Port Townsend. In memory of Muriel Matthews.
■ Pat and Clint Webb, Port Ludlow.
■ Dan and Patricia Nellis, Sequim. In memory of Andy McQuaker.
■ Ms. Janet Nickolaus, Port Angeles. In memory of Jennifer Williams Talbot, a wonderful friend,“a bright North Star.”
■ John and Rosemary Forster, Port Angeles. Many thanks for all your hard work raising money for the Home Fund.
■ Beverly Stanley, Port Angeles.
■ Randi and Heather Hansen, Port Angeles. In memory of Phyllis Arndt — gone since November 2005 but never-forgotten Dear Friend.
■ Douglas McClary, Sequim. In memory of the 25 agents killed in the line of duty during my 23-year career with the FBI (1972-1995).
■ Dr. and Mrs. Edward A. Hopfner, Port Angeles.
■ Carolyn Ahrens, Sequim. In memory of Joanne Ellyson.
■ Dr. Roger Eichman, Nordland.
■ Bill and Barb Pearl, Port Angeles.
■ Robert and Deonne Hanson, Sequim. In honor of Karen Griffiths.
■ Mr. and Mrs. Terry R. Santos, Sequim.
■ Kathy and Jim Wesley, Port Angeles.
■ Thomas and Karen Mitchell, Port Angeles.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $100. In memory of Dr. Nancy Baden.
■ Nordland — $20.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Sequim — $100. In memory of my beloved husband.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Sequim — $50. In honor of Kathe Smith.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Him who gave all.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $100. In memory of Doug and Lillian Babcock.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $100. In memory of my husband.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $150.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Sequim — $20.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $25.
■ Port Ludlow — $300.
■ Port Angeles — $125.
■ Port Townsend — $100. In memory of Gerald Thorsen.
■ Port Angeles — $500. In honor of Jim Nason.
■ Sequim — $250.
■ Port Angeles — $25.
■ Sequim — $125.
■ Sequim — $1,200.
_________
HANDWRITING CAN BE hard to decipher at times.
Please report any errors in this list to John Brewer, 360-417-3500 (there’s voice mail if he’s away), or email him at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
We’ll rerun the listing correctly.
Our sincerest appreciation again to our donors.
