EDITOR’S NOTE: End the year on a high note — offer struggling families on our North Olympic Peninsula “a hand up, not a handout” through the Peninsula Daily News’ Peninsula Home Fund.
For 24 years, the Home Fund has helped thousands of families in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
Gifts to the Home Fund make a daily difference in lives across the North Olympic Peninsula — thanks to our readers’ generosity.
All contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible.
And this coming Monday, Dec. 31, is the last day to make a donation and get a tax deduction for 2012.
To donate online using a credit card, push the “Click Here to Donate” button at www.peninsuladailynews.com.
Or go directly to the donation page — https://secure.peninsuladailynews.com/homefund.
You can make a difference.
Below is another in a series of articles on how the fund operates and who benefits from our readers’ generosity.
By Karen Griffiths
For Peninsula Daily News
DISCOVERY BAY — Four longtime friends — all hearing-impaired — were facing homelessness.
Aided in part by the Peninsula Home Fund, they’re now in a new, safe home — and their lives are getting back to normal.
And they plan to give back to the community by volunteering.
“We’re all so thankful for this community’s welcoming embrace,” said Candi, using sign language, about their move to a new home. “We’re overwhelmed.”
Candi, 52, and Charles, 84, have lived together 35 years.
They’ve been joined on and off for about 25 years by Denise, 58, and for about a year by Ana, 37.
Candi and Charles were born deaf. Denise lost her hearing shortly after birth. Ana is severely hard of hearing.
“She’s the youngest of our group and brings a much-needed positive energy with her,” signed Candi.
“She’s the one who decorated our home with the holiday spirit and gets up all smiling.”
The four were living in a large home south of Seattle in Auburn with other hearing-impaired friends when their financial affairs were thrown into turmoil.
“We were living in a large home with several others who weren’t paying their share,” said Candi, who used sign language to communicate through her interpreter for the day, Denise’s daughter Sandi Harris.
There were other crises, too, including health issues for Charles.
“This year’s been very tough because Charles has had major blood clots in both legs requiring surgery [and costly prescription medicines].”
They were evicted from the house.
Candi’s sister in Sequim convinced her to move the group closer to her so she could help out.
They agreed and moved into a motel.
“When we were evicted and went to a motel we were scared,” gestured Candi.
“At first we cried and didn’t know what to do.”
“After praying we decided we must be positive and have faith,” signed Denise.
“Everything just got better after that.”
Their combined income was too high to qualify for subsidized housing, yet with past bills to catch up on and the high cost of Charles medical bills, they needed to find a relatively inexpensive home to rent that was still large enough for the four to share.
“We feel really lucky my sister could find this place,” signed Candi.
“But we couldn’t have afford to move in until we got help.
“I can’t believe how much help we’ve received from this community — we feel so blessed,” she said.
They worked with counselors at OlyCAP — nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency-care agency in Jefferson and Clallam counties — which also screens the applicants for the Home Fund and distributes the funds.
OlyCAP was able to provide the group with $150 from the Home Fund toward the $1,300 deposit.
Public housing authorities paid $275, and Candi’s sister helped with the rest.
Says Sandi: “When they were homeless, she was forced to reach out to others for help, and she — I should say we — can’t believe how much helped they’ve received from this community.
“Everyone is thankful to have place and not having to worry about where they’re going to sleep at night.”
Charles continues to have problems with clotting and has trouble standing and walking. He may need more surgery.
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 this coming Monday, 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.
Donations to date
Begun in 1989, the Home Fund is supported by Jefferson and Clallam residents.
Our thanks to all of you who have donated to this year’s Home Fund campaign.
As we close in on the final days of the campaign, you have raised $204,074.78 so far for use in 2013.
PDN readers rallied to contribute $254,593.73 in 2011 for use this year.
Since Jan. 1, the carefully rationed fund has helped about 3,000 households and individuals.
As we move into winter, the toughest period of the year, all of the money collected in 2011 is expected to be exhausted by Monday.
■ Peninsula Home Fund is a unique nonprofit program.
Every dollar is put to work exactly the way you want it to be.
All the money stays in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
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 — a maximum of 10 cents of every dollar donated.
OlyCAP has kept it below 10 percent — specifically, 8.9 percent.
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.
■ Home Fund is not welfare program.
Assistance, which usually averages less than $100, is also limited to one time in a 12-month period.
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.
■ 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 and OlyCAP do not rent, sell, give or otherwise share your address or other information with anyone or make any other use of it.
Applying for a hand up
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.
The 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 Dec. 13 and noon Dec. 26.
Thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors:
■ Jessica Grable, Port Angeles — $25. In memory of Rob, Matt and Chris McIntire.
■ P.A. and Co. Hair Salon, Port Angeles — $100. In honor of Patricia Harwood.
■ P.A. Class of 1954, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of our classmates who are no longer with us.
■ Gunvor Hildal and Randel Washburne, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sons of Norway Olympic Lodge No. 37, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Frank and Alice Donnelly, Port Angeles — $100.
■ David and Barbara Allen, Forks — $200. In honor of Barney and Sylvia Murphy.
■ Tom and Joyce Lamure, Sequim — $100. In honor of Sequim PC Users Group.
■ Pat Nix, Sequim — $100.
■ Marie C. Cauvel, Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Dianne V. Durrwachter.
■ Freia Palmer, Port Angeles — $150.
■ Joseph Barry, Port Angeles — $20.
■ Kathleen Chapman, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Jack B. Chapman.
■ Ed and Elisabeth Ellinger, Sequim — $100.
■ Dick and Fran Niichel, Scottsdale, AZ — $500.
■ Steven and Kyra Humphrey, Sequim — $100. In memory of Lisa Ljunghammar. My sister was a Sequim resident and passed away from cancer on March 22. This gift honors her generosity.
■ Chris Gutmacher, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Joyce and Bill Brown, Port Townsend — $100.
■ Gloria Ricketts, Port Hadlock — $100.
■ William and LaVonne Mueller, Sequim — $100.
■ Dorothy DeLand, Sequim — $50.
■ Rick Willis and Lizbeth Harper, Sequim — $1,000. In memory of Don and Randy Willis.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
■ Dorothy Shepherd, Sequim. In memory of Wells Van Steenbergh. When Van asked “how are you?” he really wanted to know. In friendship he’d respond: a witty joke, a warm embrace, sage advice, a helping hand.
■ Bruce and Terri McCoppen, Port Angeles.
■ Chris and Myrna Juergens, Sequim.
■ Mack and Barb Boelling, Port Townsend.
■ Kathryn and Bernard Emmert, Sequim. From The Beloved Book Club in memory of Muriel Carriker.
■ Joe and Naomi Denhart, Port Angeles. In loving memory of our parents.
■ Roy and Mary Gotham, Port Angeles.
■ AMS Audio Enterprises Inc., Sequim.
■ Darold and Kay Seed, Port Angeles.
■ Ron and Melinda, Port Townsend.
■ Jackson L. and Elizabeth Ann Williams, Sequim.
■ James and Mary Jane Moore, Sequim. In lieu of Christmas gifts to our brothers and sisters.
■ Elizabeth Geddes, Port Angeles.
■ Rosemary Thompson, Port Angeles.
■ Carolyn Gill, Sequim. In honor of Mike and Kathy Smith and Jim and Barbara Money.
■ Jeannine Johnson, Port Angeles.
■ George and Elsbeth Switzer, Sequim. In memory of Jack Alioto.
■ Maria Mendes, Port Townsend.
■ Gail Hebrank and Scott Younkin, Port Angeles. In honor of “Teddy” and all hard-working service dogs.
■ Eileen Gardoff, Sequim.
■ Soeren and Connie Poulsen, Sequim.
■ Hurricane Ridge RV Club, Sequim.
■ Bill and Virginia Kinney, Sequim.
■ Rudy and April Hiener, Port Angeles. In memory of Ken and Charlotte Bradford.
■ Erica C. Schreiber, Sequim. In honor of Dr. Joe B. Corn and his staff. They have given me excellent medical care for over six years. I’m also grateful for the medical groups who take care of my other medical needs.
(I also want to thank you for all you do to make so many needy families be able to have a wonderful Christmas and so much more. You are wonderful and caring. Do hope you’ll have a beautiful Christmas and holiday season — also the best for the New Year).
■ Pat Johnson, Sequim.
■ GEC Investments, Sequim.
■ Lou and Joan Zimmerman, Port Townsend.
■ Bev Dulis, Port Angeles. In memory of Dot Dulis.
■ Al and Kitty Gross, Port Angeles.
■ Dana and Sally Dolloff, Jacksonville, Fla.
■ Richard and Judy Owen, Port Angeles. In memory of James Johnston. Loved you so much!
■ Debi and Phil Saxton, Port Townsend. In loving memory of Don and Eileen Garling.
■ Jan Yates, Port Angeles. In memory of Marvin Yates.
■ Richard and Suellen Knight, Port Townsend.
■ The Francis’s, Sequim.
■ Judy Kelley, Sequim.
■ Dee and Garry Kispert, Sequim. In honor of Dennis and Mimi Johnson.
■ David and Ann Salmon, Sequim.
■ Carole and Bob Travis, Sequim. In honor of Lisa Travis.
■ Bob and Carol Gudgel, Port Angeles.
■ Gregory Oxton, San Carlos, Calif. In honor of Ernest Oxton. Merry Christmas to all!
■ George and Shirley Williams, Port Townsend. In honor of Keith, Manine and Zev.
■ Diane Wheeler, Port Angeles.
■ C.J. Wolfer, Port Angeles. In memory of Lowell and LaVerne Wolfer.
■ Green Crow Employees Fund, Port Angeles.
■ Charles and Corrine Horton, Sequim. In memory of our parents.
■ Nancy Fowler, Port Townsend.
■ Cornelia Schadler, Sequim. In honor of Lee and Janet Squier.
■ Tom and Sandi Shields, Sequim.
■ Sharon B. Hollatz, Port Angeles.
■ Patricia Wheatley, Port Angeles. In memory of Tami, Nichols and Byron Wheatley.
■ Bob and Lucille Schmitt, Port Angeles.
■ Naomi Marcus, Port Townsend. In honor of the Marcus family, and in lieu of holiday gifts to family members.
■ Anna and Joe Dziak, Port Angeles.
■ Beverly and Glenn Dawson, Port Angeles. In honor of Meryln Ravenscroft.
■ The Electric Company, Port Angeles. In honor of Sandy Hook Elementary School. God bless those families touched by the devastation that befell them. May they know the world holds them close to their hearts and thoughts at this time.
■ David and Anita Brubaker, Wilmette, Ill. In honor of David and Barbara Brubaker. Merry Christmas and Joy to all!
■ Andy and Sheryl Slack, Port Angeles. In memory of Ken Hansen.
■ Karen and Steve Hanan, Port Angeles.
■ Joe and Karen Holtrop, Sequim.
■ Melly Family, Port Angeles. In honor of the Melly family.
■ Layton Carr, Sequim.
■ John R. Norvell and Jannine M. Norvell, Sequim.
■ Bob and Shirley Widdicombe, Sequim.
■ Miggles Wallace and Ron Shannon, Sequim. In honor of Norma Herbold.
■ Marcus Reinertson, Port Angeles.
■ Suzanne Orr, Port Angeles.
■ Kathy and John Schreiner, Sequim.
■ John Bodger and Selden McKee, Port Townsend.
■ Janet and Leo Dodge, Port Angeles.
■ Roy and Elisabeth Wilson, Sequim.
■ Mary Louise Melly, Port Angeles. In honor of Chet and Lucille Kus.
■ Nadine Fuller, Forks. In memory of Richard and Beth Chesmore.
■ Darice Johnson and Dorothy DeLand, Madera, Calif. In memory of Janice Edwards.
■ S.S. Virgin, Sequim.
■ Dick and Vicki Van Calcar, Port Angeles.
■ Gary and Jeanne Johnson, Port Angeles.
■ Al and Jane Bloomquist, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents.
■ Karen Coles, Port Angeles. In memory of Irving Jensen.
■ Lynn and Jenifer Taylor, Port Townsend.
■ Rex and Olga Wilson, Port Angeles. In memory of Tom Thompson and Henry Acevedo: Two PDN newsroom beacons who will always shine brightly.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
■ Anonymous — $1,565. “God’s Tithe.”
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Sequim — $20.
■ Port Angeles — $25,000.
■ Makawao, Hawaii — $200. In memory of Lynne Thrall.
■ Carlsborg — $5,000.
■ Sequim — $200. To all who have made a difference in my life.
■ Sequim — $20.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $25. In honor of Nina Rumore.
■ Sequim — $500. In honor of Robert M and Edward O. In honor of the best fathers to have ever flown! They are missed by us.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Anonymous — $200. Thank you for administering/advertising. Like the stories.
■ Port Townsend — $1,000. In memory of M. Philip Lorber.
■ Port Angeles — $200.
■ Port Angeles — $25. In memory of our dear brother-in-law, Mike Irish. We all miss you so much.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $10.
■ Port Angeles — $100. In honor of Jack Lyons.
■ Port Angeles — $200.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Angeles — $150.
■ Port Angeles — $400.
■ Port Angeles — $300.
■ Port Angeles — $30.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Sheboygan, Wis.— $50.
■ Chapel Hill, N.C. — $100. In memory of Earl & Bernice Parke.
■ Chapel Hill, N.C. — $100. In memory of Bob & Peggy Reith.
■ Snohomish — $300. Merry Christmas.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $110. In memory of Rachel Corrie.
■ Sequim — $10.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $500.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Angeles — $250.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Angeles — $25.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $250.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $300.
_________
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.
