EDITOR’S NOTE: This is another in a series of articles on the Peninsula Home Fund. Please click on the Home fund button at left to print out a form to use when sending in your generous contribution. Many thanks.
FORKS — “Guess what? We got a house today –YAAAAY!”
Susan Davis can’t contain her excitement as she exults in finally finding a home for herself and her four children.
She smiles and shakes her fist like a celebrating cheerleader.
Davis, 31, is the single parent of four children.
Charmaine, 14, is disabled; then there is Zachary, 6, Zion, 4, and Justice, 3.
The family had been homeless since last August.
Though they had limited income, the family was safe and stable, living in a three-bedroom, two-bath home overlooking the bay at Sekiu.
“Our landlord sold the house and then told us we had 20 days to vacate,” recalls Davis.
“On that same day, my L&I case was closed, and monthly payments stopped that helped support us after I was injured on the job.
“So we stored what we could — personal keepsakes, clothing, canned food, school supplies — and then gave away a lot of furnishings.
“Then I told the kids, ‘We’re going camping.”‘
Davis and her family left their home and pitched a tent in the woods, taking advantage of the moderate summer weather.
A home-schooler, Davis seized the opportunity to instruct the children as they watched the beauty of nature surrounding them.
“I tried to make the best of the situation for the sake of the children,” she said.
Then the novelty of camping started to give way to the reality and hardship of exposure to the elements.
“We had no shower, no ice and no address for over seven weeks,” she said.
Because of “no address,” Davis’ income from child support and her daughter’s Social Security payments was interrupted.
“It got pretty bad for awhile,” she recalled.
“I learned macramé and made hemp jewelry which I sold to try to make ends meet.”
Peninsula Home Fund
With no where else to turn, Davis went to OlyCAP — Olympic Community Action Programs — hoping they could help.
OlyCAP staff tapped the Peninsula Daily News’ Peninsula Home Fund.
The Peninsula Home Fund is a safety net for residents in Clallam and Jefferson counties to get them through emergency situations when there is nowhere else to turn.
The fund was established by North Olympic Peninsula residents digging deep into their hearts and wallets to give their neighbors “a hand up, not a handout” to get through an emergency situation.
Money from the fund provided new sleeping bags and vouchers for laundry and showers.
The family also got vouchers for a motel where they could sleep when the rains got bad.
Then they stayed for two weeks in a shelter.
Finally, a concerned woman in Forks heard of the family’s plight and opened her home to them.
Despite the challenges she faces, Davis is optimistic.
She and her family are moving into an affordable mobile home in Forks where she has also enrolled two of the children in school.
She will draw on her education and skills working with disabled children to re-enter the workforce.
“I have a strong faith — and all our needs have been met,” she said.
“I am so grateful to this giving community. People need to remember that you are never alone.
“I have been homeless, but I am never hopeless. There is always a way.”
The Peninsula Home Fund provided “a hand up” for this family.
The fund is reflective of a giving, caring community that doesn’t want to see the needs of people like Susan Davis and her children go unaddressed.
No deductions
From Thanksgiving through Dec. 31, the Peninsula Home Fund is seeking contributions for its annual holiday season fund-raising campaign.
The Peninsula Home Fund is a unique, nonprofit program.
* No money is deducted for administration or other overhead.
* All contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible.
* Your personal information is kept confidential. The Peninsula Daily News does not rent, sell, give or otherwise share your address or other information with anyone, or make any other use of it.
* All instances of help are designed to get an individual or family through the crisis — and back on the path to self-sufficiency.
* Every penny, every dollar, contributed to the Peninsula Home Fund goes to making life better for children, teens, families and the elderly across the North Olympic Peninsula — from Port Townsend to Sequim to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to Port Angeles to LaPush.
All the money collected goes — without any deductions — to families in Jefferson and Clallam counties for hot meals for seniors, warm winter coats for kids, home repairs for the low income, needed prescription drugs, dental work, safe, drug-free temporary housing, eyeglasses — the list goes on and on.
* Peninsula Home Fund 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.
$60,967 donated so far
OlyCAP has managed the PDN’s Peninsula Home Fund since the fund’s inception in 1989.
The fund is supported entirely by Jefferson and Clallam residents.
Individuals, couples, businesses and school groups set a new record for contributions in 2003 — $77,608.34.
All of that money is expected to be spent by Dec. 31.
So far, $60,967.01 has been contributed this holiday season.
* Peninsula Home Fund contributions are often used in conjunction with money from churches, service clubs and other donors, enabling OlyCAP to stretch the value of the contribution.
* Money is usually distributed in small amounts, usually up to $100.
* Assistance is limited to one time in a 12-month period.
To apply for a grant from the fund, phone OlyCAP at 360-452-4726 (Clallam County) or 360-385-2571 (Jefferson County).
OlyCAP’s Port Angeles office is 228 W. First St., Suite J (Armory Square Mall), 360-452-4726.
Its Port Townsend office is at 24 Seton Road (P.O. Box 1540, PT 98368), 360-385-2571.
The Forks office is at the community Recreation Center (across from City Hall), 651 E. Division St., 360-374-6193.
Its Web site is www.olycap.org; e-mail: action@olycap.org. Tim L. Hockett, deputy director, oversees the Peninsula Home Fund.
If you have any questions about the fund, contact John Brewer, Peninsula Daily News editor and publisher, at 360-417-3500. Or e-mail john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
How to donate
A gift of any size is welcome.
From children’s pennies to checks for thousands of dollars, the generosity of Peninsula Daily News readers makes a positive difference.
The Peninsula Home Fund has never been a campaign of heavy hitters.
If you can contribute only a few dollars, please don’t hesitate because you think it won’t make a difference.
Every gift makes a difference, regardless of its size.
To donate, write a check to “Peninsula Home Fund” and attach it to the coupon that accompanies this story.
Mail both items to Peninsula Home Fund, Peninsula Daily News, P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles 98362.
Or drop them at the newspaper’s offices in Port Townsend, Sequim or Port Angeles (addresses on page A2 of the PDN daily).
Again, all contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible.
You will receive a written thank you and acknowledgment of your contribution.
Peninsula Daily News publishes stories every Wednesday and Sunday during the fund-raising campaign listing contributors and reporting on how the fund works.
New contributions
The following are contributions received between Dec. 11 and Dec. 17 — thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors:
* Women Into Scandinavian Heritage, Port Angeles; $110.
* Mark and Shelley Romero, Port Angeles; $50. In memory of Mari Romero.
* Ramona Amundson, Port Angeles; $50. In memory of Carl Amundson, from the Amundson Grandkids.
* Dick and Judy Owen, Port Angeles; $100. In memory of Ken and Clara Owen.
* Leslie W. Johnson, San Diego; $200. Future resident. I like the basic idea — hand up not handout.
* Florence Wilson, Port Angeles; $50. In loving memory of Curt Wilson. Miss you, Hon. Love you always and forever. Peg.
* Margaret N. Okleshen, Port Angeles; $50. In memory of Tony Okleshen and Jessie Weed (nee Dibb).
* Paul Gottlieb, Port Angeles; $50. In memory of my father, Stuart Gottlieb.
* Howell G. Wedgeworth, Port Angeles; $25. In honor of Hazel Green.
* Andy and Jeanne Jubb, Carlsborg; $25.
* Tom Coville, Port Angeles; $30.
* Yvonne Dillon and Daniel Zimm, Port Townsend. $50.
* Don and Nancy Morton, Port Ludlow; $100.
* J.C. and Pat S., Sequim; $200.
* William and Martha Greenleaf, Port Angeles; $100.
* Robert and Ruth Worley, Port Angeles; $250.
* Marion’s Port Angeles Antiques, Port Angeles; $100.
* Park View Villa Residents Fund, Port Angeles; $250.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
* Angelo and Brenda Spandrio, Sequim.
* Mobuilt RV, Stanley J. Forsell, Port Angeles. Memorial for George Rae Bosckis.
* Bill and Joan Riedel, Sekiu. In memory of Joe and Eva Riedel.
* Jeanne Golden, Neah Bay. In memory of Margaret Mitchell.
* Tracy Devose, Port Angeles. In memory of Dorothy Fischer.
* Nicolas and Iyone Trivich, Port Angeles. In memory of Mary Pramos.
* Thelma and Bob Harrison, Port Angeles. In memory of Betty and Sam Harrison.
* Curt and Lesa Oppelt, Port Angeles. In memory of Laurel N. Oppelt.
* Betty J. Abbott, Port Angeles. In memory of Eilene and Pat and Guy.
* Arthur and Berniece Judd, Port Angeles. In memory of two dedicated volunteers: Earl Gilson and John Wilson.
* The Children’s Montessori School (parents and students), Port Angeles. In honor of a parent, Kathy Uranich.
* Stan and Sally Garlick family, Port Angeles.
* Ken Monds, Port Angeles. In memory of Jim and Mabel Monds.
* David Storm, Seattle. In memory of Richard Button.
* Rich and Claudia Fox, Sequim. In memory of Danny Holmquist.
* Frances and Candace Chavis, Port Angeles. In memory of Anna and Pauline Smith.
* Don and Peggy Whitmire, Sequim. In memory of Ellis R. Clapp.
* Donna Spalding, Sequim. In memory of Earl Spalding.
* Pony Express 4-H Club, Port Angeles. In memory of Matt Edwards.
* Your Six Grandchildren, Port Angeles. In memory of Grandpa Jack.
* Lois Bakker, Port Angeles. In memory of Donald Bakker.
* William Sweeney, Sequim. In memory of Pauline Phillips.
* Bob and Peggy Forton, Sequim. In memory of Mark.
* Linda Whitehouse, Port Angeles. In memory of William Whitehouse.
* Carl L. Miller and Family, Port Angeles. In memory of son Jason E. Miller.
* Dorothy M. Rasmussen, Port Angeles. In memory of Walter E. Rasmussen.
* Bernie and Roxanne Fryer, Sequim. In honor of Julie Pruss.
* Charles T. Cate, Sr., Sequim. In honor of the Adele Kalista family.
* Midge Bader, Port Angeles. In honor of all the men and women who give of their time to make the Home Fund so successful. Plaudits to you all.
* Jerry and Ann Rasler, Port Angeles. In memory of Sue Lea.
* Edith Snelgrove, Port Angeles. In memory of David A. Pitts, my son.
* Mr. and Mrs. Bob A. Massey, Sequim. In memory of Barney — our lovable 16-year-old Yorkshire terrier-mix, who was killed suddenly. He loved riding; now he’s in doggie heaven.
* Frank and Gertrude Johnson, Port Angeles. In memory of George G. Johnson.
* Sally Milici, Beaver. In memory of Dirk Milici, gentleman and scholar.
* Chris and Sharon Swenson, Sequim. In memory of Bob and Trace Shelton.
* Shirley Palmer Bates, Port Angeles. In memory of Dean Palmer.
* John and Lois Camealy, Galena, Ohio. In memory of Nan M. Anthony.
* Bud and Joanna Baker, Sequim. In memory of Harrison and Grace Baker and Chris and Myrtle Lee.
* Bob and Carol Philpott, Port Angeles. In memory of Leland Lee.
* Violet Grall, Port Angeles. In memory of my husband, Alvin Grall, and brother Emery Winters.
* Carol Dersham, Port Townsend. In memory of Fraser MacLean.
* Pat Vautier, Port Angeles. In memory of Dan Vautier.
* Lynn and Jenifer Taylor, Port Townsend. In honor of over-worked social workers everywhere.
* David and Barbara Allen, Forks. In memory of Barney and Sylvia Murphy.
* Daniel and Barbara Hart, Port Angeles. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Belcher.
* Donald and Barbara Reidel, Port Angeles. In honor of Sgt. Jason McBride and Pfc. Jairamy McBride.
* Mary K. Otto, Port Angeles. In honor of Si Otto.
* Bill and Virginia Kinney, Sequim.
* Al and Shirl Dewey, Sequim.
* Orrin and Dora Hall, Sequim.
* Harry and Barbara Hughes, Sequim.
* Richard and Sally Ruud, Port Angeles.
* Geneva Borho, Langdon, N.D.
* Orville and Jean Allen, Sequim.
* Gail Hebrank and Scott Younkin, Port Angeles.
* Stan and Sally Garlick, Port Angeles.
* Marylind Mueller, Lancaster, Calif.
* Robin Green, Port Angeles.
* Scooter and Loretta Chapman, Port Angeles.
* Thomas and Lynda Bailey, Sequim.
* Eugene and Lois Larsen, Port Angeles.
* Sam and Penny Naki, Port Angeles.
* Don and Marilyn Freeman, Sequim.
* Karen Winther, Port Angeles.
* Al Jensen, Port Angeles.
* Richard and Susan Cox, Sequim
* Murven and Helen Sears, Port Angeles.
* David and Laurie Pond, Port Angeles.
* Robert and Sheila Becker, Port Angeles.
* Rosemary W. Reeves, Sequim.
* Ron Spring, Sequim.
* Laura L. Singhose, Port Angeles. (And happy birthday from the Home Fund crew, Ms. Singhose! And thank you!)
* Mark and Shannan Shaw, Port Angeles.
* Virginia Reeves, Sequim.
* Thomas Santos, Sequim.
* Robert and Hayes Wasilewski, Port Angeles.
* Pat and Steve Herkal, Port Townsend.
* Rosemary H. Taylor, Port Angeles.
* Richard Serkes and Theresa Killgore, Port Angeles.
* Kathy and Jim Wesley, Port Angeles.
* Guy and Lynn Horton, Sequim.
* Voneda Stiewe, Chimacum.
* Jack and Sandra Crook, Port Angeles.
* Sam and Martha Baker, Port Angeles.
* Betty J. Sleeper, Port Angeles.
* Patricia and John Cox. Sequim.
* Tim Riley, Port Angeles.
* Bill and Barb Pearl, Neah Bay
* Jack and Millie Lyon, Port Angeles.
* Joe and Cheryl Winney, Port Angeles.
* Ron and Marilyn Carlson, Sequim.
* Rolland and Diane Kenitzer, Port Angeles.
* Gary and Ann Colley, Port Angeles.
* Vivian Romiza, Sequim. Thanksgiving thanks.
* Rose Cockrill, Sequim. Thanksgiving thanks.
* Able and Jean Wilensky, Sequim. Thanksgiving thanks.
* D.H. and L.M. Spath, Sequim. Thanksgiving thanks
* William and Annette Kuss, Sequim. Thanksgiving thanks.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
* Jacksonville, Fla.; $100.
* Port Hadlock; $100. In memory of Uncle Jack Watson.
* Port Angeles; $113. In memory of Beverly Jean Rice. Gone but not forgotten.
* Port Angeles; $113. In memory of Paul Jay Raber. Gone but not forgotten.
* Port Angeles; $50. In memory of Mabel Murdoch.
* Port Townsend; $20. In honor of Susan Archer.
* Port Angeles; $100. From one Grateful MaGam.
* Port Angeles; $30. In honor of Nina Rumore.
* Port Angeles; $25. In memory of Frank Welsh.
* Sequim; $10. In honor of Jesus.
* Port Angeles; $128.45. In honor of Martha Garling.
* Port Townsend, $75. In honor of the Rev. Gail Helgeson.
* Sequim; $50.
* Port Angeles; $100.
* Port Angeles; $25
* Sequim; $100.
* Port Townsend; $200.
* Port Townsend; $100.
* Sequim; $50.
* Sequim; $200.
* Port Angeles; 25.
* Port Townsend; $50.
* Sequim; $25.
* Sequim; $500
* Sequim; $25.
* Port Ludlow; $200.
* Port Angeles; $300.
* Port Angeles; $150.
* Port Angeles; $100.
* Sequim; $250.
* Sequim; $50.
* Port Angeles; $50.
* Port Townsend; $1,000.
* Port Townsend; $200.
* Port Angeles; $100.
* Port Angeles; $100.
* Sequim; $1,000.
* Port Angeles; $200.
* Port Angeles; $100.
* Sequim; $20.
* Sequim; $50.
* Port Angeles; $25.
* Port Angeles; $50.
* Port Angeles; $300.
* Port Angeles; $250.
* Port Townsend; $125.
* Port Angeles; $20.
* Port Angeles; $25.
* Sequim; $150.
* Sequim; $200.
* Port Townsend; $100.
* Sequim; $25.
* Port Angeles; $750.
* Port Angeles; $50.
* Port Angeles; $100.
* Port Angeles; $40.
* Port Angeles; $250.
* Sequim; $35.
* Sequim; $25.
* Sequim; $100.
* Sequim, $100.
* Port Angeles, $25.
* Port Angeles, $25.
* Sequim, $25.
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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 e-mail him at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
We’ll rerun the listing correctly.
Our sincerest appreciation again to our donors.