EDITOR’S NOTE: For 24 years, Peninsula Daily News readers in Jefferson and Clallam counties have supported the “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund.
Today, we feature another in a series of articles on how the fund operates and who benefits from our readers’ generosity.
More information about the Home Fund will appear Wednesday.
PORT ANGELES — Each person you help through the Peninsula Home Fund has a story.
Some stories are simple; some are complex.
All represent people in need and the community’s caring response.
Greg’s story
“I have a good education, and I never thought I’d be in this situation, working as I am just to survive day to day,” says Greg T.
“It’s only by the grace of God I’ve been able to survive this long.”
A wage earner since age 13, he says he’s always kept his life simple, and getting a job had been easy — until the recession.
“This economy has just put me in a tailspin,” he says.
“I find it ironic that The New York Times, everyone really, is talking about how we’re in an economic recovery, but I haven’t seen it.
“I believe in optimism — to me, the glass is always half-full — but I haven’t seen any sign of recovery.”
He’s also found his age— he’s 61 — an obstacle at times.
“Yes, I’m employable because I’m over 21 and a hard worker, but at 61, my age is working against me,” he says.
Greg was 19 when he left his home state of Michigan to attend Seattle Pacific University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English.
“For a lot of years, I worked at some of the top law firms in Seattle as receptionist and paralegal backup,” he says.
But “now, that kind of work’s kind of dried up. Now, I’m doing whatever I can just to get by.”
It’s been tough at times, but he’s keeping it together.
But awhile back, he hit a low point and, anxious and depressed, turned to the OlyCAP office in Port Angeles.
OlyCAP is nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency-care agency in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
In addition to providing critical services to hundreds of families every year, it also screens the applicants for the “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund and distributes the funds.
An OlyCAP counselor worked with Greg.
He signed up with a temporary work agency, and a voucher from the Home Fund got him a pair of good work shoes. It was what he needed.
“Getting help from this community has meant the difference between working and not working, between getting by and homelessness,” says Greg.
“They gave me help at a time I needed it so much, and they were so efficient.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
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 almost 3,000 households and individuals like Greg.
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.
■ Peninsula Home Fund is a unique nonprofit program.
Every dollar is put to work exactly the way you want it to be.
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 a 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. 19.
Thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors like Greg:
■ Wayne and Charlotte Duchow, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Ron and Judy Priest, Sequim — $100. In memory of my “ESP”artist/friend.
■ Don Wilson, Port Townsend — $50.
■ Charles Williams, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Ray and Jane Erickson, Port Townsend — $50.
■ Margie Movius, Port Angeles — $61. In honor of Phillip Downer, M.D., of Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle. Dr. Downer is one of only a few physicians in the Pacific Northwest who perform hip replacement surgery using the anterior approach. This new procedure offers patients quicker steps to recovery and makes small-incision surgery an option for many more patients.
■ Margie Movius, Port Angeles — $113. In honor of Willard W. Henkes, D.D.S., my favorite Port Angeles dentist. He gives painless shots and does good work. It’s always been enjoyable going to my dental appointments with him. He is now associated with Van Dyken Family Dentistry on Eighth Street in Port Angeles.
■ Margie Movius, Port Angeles — $113. In memory of my daughter, Beverly J. Rice, former Lincoln Street Safeway grocery checker.
■ Margie Movius, Port Angeles — $113. In memory of my son, Sgt. Paul J. Raber, U.S. Air Force helicopter mechanic.
■ Margie Movius, Port Angeles — $113. In memory of my nephew, Patrick (Pat) Rose, longtime fireman and Port Angeles medic.
■ Kenneth and Patti Brandt, Sequim — $25. In honor of Mildred Brame.
■ Norm and Anita Moran, Port Ludlow — $250. In honor of all veterans.
■ Don Mason and Family, Sequim — $50. In memory of Pat Mason.
■ Bob and Joni Kennedy, Port Angeles — $350. In memory of Laura Kennedy. We miss you!
■ Ray Weinmann, Port Angeles — $200.
■ Dick and Gayle Larson, Sequim — $50.
■ Ron and Sharon Niccoli, Port Townsend — $100.
■ C.R. Boulay, Port Townsend — $100.
■ John and Pat Norton, Port Angeles — $50.
■ Dianne and Rob Thu, Sequim — $100. In honor of Jesus Christ.
■ Dry Creek Grange Ladies Auxiliary Organization, Port Angeles — $50.
■ Barbara Wise, Port Angeles — $100. In honor of my son, Cody.
■ Earl and Bettylou Burgett, Port Townsend — $500. In honor of our beloved family. All 34 of them.
■ Mary Jo Childress, Sequim — $20. In honor of Rosalie and Chuck Preble.
■ Paul and Sharon Martin, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Helen S. Martin.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
■ AMS Audio Enterprises Inc., Sequim.
■ Dan and Judy Volkmann, Port Angeles. In honor of Alvin and Emma Olsen.
■ Penny Brewer, Sequim. In memory of David Brewer. In memory of my beloved soulmate. We all miss you so much — Penny and family
■ Walter and Edith Rowell, Centennial, Colo. In honor of Ben and Donna Pacheco.
■ Bob and Joanne Bird, Brinnon.
■ Marolyn and Herb Russell, Port Angeles. In memory of Willard Muller.
■ Penny Brewer, Sequim. In memory of David Brewer. In memory of my beloved soulmate. We all miss you so much — Penny and family
■ Don and Geri Zanon, Port Angeles.
■ Harry and Rosemarie Downing, Port Townsend.
■ Rich and Carol Norseen, Sequim.
■ Ray and Donna Guerin Family Foundation, Sequim. Once again, we would like to express our appreciation for all you do in helping to improve the quality of life for so many. We are pleased to be able to contribute to your worthy cause. God bless you.
■ Clare and Don Hatler, Sequim. In memory of Bob Vail.
■ Cecil Black, Las Vegas.
■ Harriet and Ralph Angulo, Port Angeles.
■ Gene and Ann Trelstad, Port Angeles.
■ Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Klein, Sequim. In memory of deceased members of the Klein and Herner families.
■ Doreen Lidgate, Sequim.
■ Sean and Inger Rankins, Port Townsend.
■ Bob and Audrey Kaplan, Port Angeles.
■ Pat Vautier, Port Angeles. In memory of Dan Vautier.
■ Lee and Irene Wyman, Port Angeles. In memory of brother Sam and friends lost in 2012.
■ Nada Johnson, Port Angeles.
■ Irma Stennes, Port Angeles. In memory of Denise Fletcher.
■ Helga McGhee, Sequim.
■ J.H. Kelly and Crew Nippon Paper, Longview.
■ Dean and Diana Childs, Sequim.
■ Donald Naddy Fund, Port Angeles.
■ May Y. Carrell, Port Angeles.
■ Art and Karen Haugstad, Sequim.
■ Steven and Sandra Bengtson, Port Angeles.
■ Eugene D. and June Haugen, Sequim. In honor of Evelyn Campbell.
■ Tom and Judie Sharpe, Port Angeles.
■ Lee D. Shames, Port Angeles. In memory of Marlene Kling.
■ Jeff and Michele Reynolds, Port Angeles. In memory of Bonnie C. Byrne.
■ Lois and John Silver, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents.
■ Shirley Van Riper, Sequim. In memory of Harold.
■ Steve and Philomena Brown, Port Angeles.
■ Betty J. Abbott, Port Angeles. In honor of my daughter and son.
■ Dorothy C. Melly, Port Angeles. In honor of Jean Hordyk — an exceptional friend — thank you.
■ Michele and Jeff Reynolds, Port Angeles. In memory of Merle and Ruth Westmoreland.
■ Bill and Jean Folden, Port Angeles. In honor of Pastor Dick Grinstad, The Jim Halletts and Anonymous.
■ Vicky Murphy, Port Angeles.
■ Larry and Pat Ledbetter, Port Angeles. In loving memory of the Hartje and Ledbetter families.
■ Donald and Barbara Reidel, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents, Max and Sylvia Reidel and Arthur and Armada Dixon.
■ Joe and Cheryl Winney, Port Angeles.
■ Terry and Cleone Telling, Quilcene. In memory of Ed Telling, father/grandfather.
■ Randy Mesenbrink, Forks.
■ Mark and Patty Hannah, Port Angeles.
■ Eric Miner and Donna Karls, Sequim. In honor of all single-parent dads.
■ Tom and Leann Barber, Port Angeles.
■ Kerry and Marilyn Perkins, Port Angeles. In memory of Jeannie Rawley.
■ Merlin and Hazel Andrews, Port Angeles.
■ Frank and Paula Schrader, Sequim. In honor of our troops.
■ Philip and Beverly Rich, Port Townsend.
■ Chuck and Marian McGilvra, Port Angeles. In memory of Norma Beaudette.
■ Barbara Wieseman, Sequim.
■ Eric Evans, Blaine. In honor of Ed and Carolyn Evans.
■ Eugene and Lois Larsen, Port Angeles.
■ Jean Slaight and Al Slaight, Sequim.
■ Norma Wiggins, Port Angeles. In memory of Robert Wiggins.
■ David and Diane Horton, Port Angeles. In memory of those innocent lives lost at Sandy Hook.
■ Ron and Agnes Little, Sequim.
■ Ron and Bobbi Khile, Port Townsend. In memory of Robert R. Duncan.
■ Dick and Connie Thorson, Port Angeles.
■ M.J. Klay, Sequim.
■ Lucille Peet, Port Angeles.
■ Malin Babcock and William DeArmond, Auke Bay, Alaska. In memory of David Koehler.
■ Doug and Shauna Murray, Juneau, Alaska. In honor of Dave Koehler.
■ Ella Sandvig, Port Townsend.
■ Kris Ecklund and Stew Harris, Sequim. In memory of Brigitta Strazdin.
■ Willard and Paula Baker, Sequim.
■ Theodora J. Hall, Port Angeles. In honor of Juliette Hall.
■ Joanna L. Baker, Port Angeles. In memory of Harrison “Bud” Baker and Piper I. Cameron.
■ Grace Covenant Fellowship, Sequim.
■ Kathy and Merrill Jefferson, Sequim.
■ David and Loretta Bryant, Sequim.
■ Elsie MacDougall, Sequim.
■ Joseph Majerle, Port Angeles. In memory of Wanda Majerle.
■ Dolores Mangano, Port Angeles.
■ Monty and Gerry Crouch, Carlsborg. In memory of George and Louise Simonson.
■ Nik and Judy Dolmatoff, Port Angeles.
■ Jodi O’Neill, Port Angeles. In memory of Ann Tisdale Bradbury.
■ Kay McClurken, Port Angeles. In memory of Chuck and Al.
■ Hazel Vail, Port Angeles. In memory of Carol Chapman.
■ John and Darlene Mjoen, Port Ludlow.
■ Richard F. and Ruth E. Hazelton, Sequim.
■ Terry and Phyllis McMahon, Sequim.
■ Al and Lori Althoff, Sequim. In memory of Jo Breitback.
■ Millie Lawson, Sequim. In memory of my wonderful husband, Bill.
■ Bonnie and Bill Dyrness, Sequim.
■ William and Lora Carswell, Port Angeles.
■ Velma Heinle, Port Angeles. In honor of Keith Heinle and Steve Harsh.
■ Dan and Vicki Pierson, Port Angeles.
■ Jim and Robbie Mantooth, Port Angeles.
■ Elizabeth Heisler, Port Angeles.
■ Otto and Patricia Eifert, Sequim.
■ Grace Bell, Port Angeles. In memory of Mary Ann Cushman.
■ Neal and Katherine Fridley, Port Angeles. Be kind and careful.
■ Gabriel and Robin Ornelas, Port Townsend. In honor of Eleanor Stopps.
■ Michael Moss and Betty Gordon, Sequim.
■ Cyndi Ross, Port Angeles. In memory of Don Ross and Pat Goth. My dad and stepdad, who both believed in service to their community.
■ Suzanne W. Hadley, Forks. In memory of slain children of Newtown, Conn.
■ Chul and Kay You, Port Angeles.
■ Deborah and Thomas Cox, Sequim.
■ Deborah Willis, Port Angeles. In memory of Mom, Dad and Derek.
■ Charles and Eycke Strickland, Port Angeles. In memory of Tutti Laabs.
■ Dan and Janet Gouin, Port Angeles. In memory of Bjorn Robert Larsen.
■ Linda Button, Port Angeles. In memory of Ellen Wright.
■ Dave and Kath Gronning, Port Angeles. In honor of The 2 eighties and 2 nineties.
■ Dave and Kath Gronning, Port Angeles. In memory of Kathy, Agnes, Randy and Stan.
■ Judy Carlson, Port Angeles.
■ Dale and LaRue Robirts, Port Angeles. In memory of Andy Robirts.
■ Grace Wanrow, Port Angeles. In memory of my love, Michael Wanrow.
■ Marjorie and Phyllis McDonald, Port Angeles. In honor of Luci McDonald, Jean Brandland, George McDonald, Alice Russell, Phyllis McDonald.
■ Barbara M. Stender, Port Townsend. In honor of my daughter, Kristen D. Anderson.
■ Mr. and Mrs. Fox, Port Townsend.
■ Marline and Mike Lesh, Port Angeles.
■ Steve and Linda Bailey, Carlsborg. In honor of Anne Dalton.
■ Donald Case and Joanne Peterson, Port Townsend.
■ Bo and Martha Stoor, Port Angeles.
■ Donald Fleisher, Sequim.
■ Richard and Jeanine Moore, Sequim. In memory of Sandy Garrett.
■ Karen and David Papandrew, Sequim.
■ John and Dee McHenry, Port Angeles. In memory of Oma and Granny.
■ Don and Marilyn Thomas, Sequim.
■ Thelma Claplanhoo, Neah Bay. In memory of my husband, Edward Claplanhoo — I miss you so much. In memory of my best friend, Betty M. Baker.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
■ Sequim — $100. Peninsula Home Fund: Thank you again for this solid cause. I hope this will provide some help to those who are struggling in these tough economic times.
■ Port Angeles — $75. In memory of Dale Hickson.
■ Port Angeles — $25.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $60.
■ Port Townsend — $70.70. I know what’s it like. It was about 50 years ago. I want to do my part to improve someone’s future.
■ Anonymous — $20.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $300. In memory of Birdie, Porkie, Pero Blanco.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $30.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Townsend — $250.
■ Sequim — $750.
■ Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Dean Palmer.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $250.
■ Sequim — $35.
■ Sequim — $50. In memory of Roy Robinson.
■ Port Angeles — $250.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sekiu — $100. In honor of Carrie and Marcus Larsen.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $75.
■ Port Townsend — $200.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Angeles — $100. In memory of The Connery Clan.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Chimacum — $30.
■ Port Angeles — $500.
■ Fresno, CA — $500.
■ Sequim — $500.
■ Sequim — $20.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Sandy Hook school staff and children.
■ Sequim — $1,400.
■ Port Angeles — $2,000.
■ Port Angeles — $200.
■ Port Townsend — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Eva Hoffman Lane.
■ Sequim — $300.
■ Sequim — $500.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Sequim — $120. In memory of Milt Galke.
■ Forks — $300.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $150.
■ Port Angeles — $125. In honor of my parents.
_________
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.