Economic times challenge 2012 Home Fund

One-hundred percent OF the Peninsula Daily News’ Peninsula Home Fund is used to help people.

Every dollar donated goes to OlyCAP — Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency-care agency on the North Olympic Peninsula — without deductions by the PDN.

But 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 was limited to 10 cents of every dollar donated. The agency actually has spent 8.9 percent — just short of 9 cents per dollar, or $13,791.

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 fund is not set up to hand out money passively; through OlyCAP, recipients play active roles in their own success, their own rehabilitation, their own futures.

That’s the “hand up, not a handout” focus of the Home Fund.

As we begin our 24th annual fundraising campaign for the Home Fund, we acknowledge not just the challenges OlyCAP faces, but the success it has created thanks to PDN readers stepping up to donate.

Here what an audit shows:

■   Money to meet urgent medical and dental needs, including help with prescription medications, lab work and medical supplies (about 380 individuals have been helped so far in 2012; $42,427).

■   Rental assistance and home heating assistance — and to help people keep their power on — and grants to families needing help with rent or mortgage payments (814 individuals or households; $62,689).

■   Transportation to work or medical appointments — mostly by means of bus passes — and to provide car repair and pay for gas to get to work or school (966 individuals/households; $30,337).

■   Work-appropriate clothing or uniforms for men and women and for children (64 individuals/households; $1,484).

■   Emergency home repairs, shelter, food and other assistance (484 households; $16,859).

A one-time grant from the Home Fund often is all it takes for recipients to get back on their feet again.

(In 2012 the average grant has been $56.79.)

The Peninsula Home Fund is a powerful source of support for thousands of men, women and children in our Peninsula community when there is no place else to turn — and it’s never been more important.

Peninsula Daily News

More in News

Serving up a Thanksgiving meal are, from left, Taylor Hale, Gina Landon, Shawn Lammers, Ryan Lammers, Sara Taylor and Jean Ball, all volunteers with Holiday Meals, located in the Tri-Area neighborhoods of Chimacum, Port Hadlock and Irondale. The group expected to serve up to 460 full Thanksgiving dinners with 287 being picked up, 118 delivered and 55 eaten at the Tri-Area Community Center. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Thanksgiving mea l s kick off holiday joy

Smiles, warmth light up Queen of Angels Catholic Church

From left, Gail Jangarrd, Bob Dunbar and Sammy Dionne treat a lucky dog to a biscuit made with organic, healthy and human-grade ingredients.
Gatheringplace to open public phase of capital campaign

Nonprofit to construct building for developmentally disabled

Port of Port Townsend on track to hit revenue goal

Agency receives eight bids on stormwater treatment project

The outside of the Vern Burton Community Center is decorated with giant Christmas balls and lighted trees on Wednesday for the opening ceremonies of the Festival of Trees. “White Christmas” was played by the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra’s brass quintet and then sung by Amanda Bacon. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Festival of Trees opens

The outside of the Vern Burton Community Center is decorated with giant… Continue reading

Tamara Clinger decorates a tree with the theme of “Frosted Cranberries” on Monday at the Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles. The helping hand is Margie Logerwell. More than three dozen trees will be available for viewing during the 34th annual Festival of Trees event this weekend. Tickets are available at www.omhf.org. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Finishing touches

Tamara Clinger decorates a tree with the theme of “Frosted Cranberries” on… Continue reading

Grants to help Port Angeles port upgrades

Projects, equipment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Joseph Molotsky holds Jet, a Harris’s hawk. Jet, 14 or 15, has been at Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue for about seven years. Jet used to hunt with a falconer and was brought to the rescue after sustaining injuries while attempting to escape an attack from a gray horned owl in Eastern Washington. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Wild bird rescue to host open house

Officials to showcase expanded educational facilities

Jaiden Dokken, Clallam County’s first poet laureate, will wrap up their term in March. Applications for the next poet laureate position, which will run from April 2025 to March 2027, are open until Dec. 9. To apply, visit NOLS.org/NextPoet. (North Olympic Library System)
Applications open for Clallam poet laureate

Two-year position will run from April 2025 to March 2027

The YMCA of Port Angeles was May recipient of Jim’s Cares Monthly Charity at Jim’s Pharmacy in Port Angeles.
Staff and customers raised more than $593 to support the YMCA.
Pictured, from left, are Joey Belanger, the YMCA’s vice president for operations, and Ryan French, the chief financial officer at Jim’s Pharmacy.
Charity of the month

The YMCA of Port Angeles was May recipient of Jim’s Cares Monthly… Continue reading

Festival of Trees QR code.
Contest: Vote for your favorite Festival of Trees

The Peninsula Daily News is thrilled to announce its first online Festival… Continue reading

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office uses this armored vehicle, which is mine-resistant and ambush protected. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)
OPNET to buy armored vehicle

Purchase to help with various situations

Lincoln High School students Azrael Harvey, left, and Tara Coville prepare dressing that will be part of 80 Thanksgiving dinners made from scratch and sold by the Salish Sea Hospitality and Ecotourism program. All meal preparation had to be finished by today, when people will pick up the grab-and-go meals they ordered for Thursday’s holiday. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Students at Wildcat Cafe prepare Thanksgiving dinners

Lincoln High School efforts create 80 meals ready to eat