Greg German of Port Townsend received assistance from the Peninsula Home Fund in the form of $200 to help pay for move-in costs to his new home. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)

Greg German of Port Townsend received assistance from the Peninsula Home Fund in the form of $200 to help pay for move-in costs to his new home. (Karen Griffiths/for Peninsula Daily News)

PENINSULA HOME FUND: Donations help provide roof for diligent worker in Port Townsend

EDITOR’S NOTE: For 28 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.

Tax-deductible donations can be made now for 2016.

To donate online by credit card, visit https://secure.peninsuladailynews.com/homefund.

PORT TOWNSEND — Homelessness is one of Greg German’s greatest fears.

At 63, single and in poor health, he’s felt that dread ever since he was struck by “a lot of illness and health problems” in the early 2000s.

So when his landlord told him he needed to move out because a family member was moving in, visions of living in his car started dancing through his mind.

Right off the bat, he knew he faced two major obstacles.

The first was finding a place to rent in a town with very little affordable or subsidized housing, he said.

The second was: “I didn’t have the money to move into a new place.”

After experiencing much stress and worry, he said, he was able to overcome those problems — thanks to Olympic Community Action Programs.

OlyCAP case and program managers helped him find a place to rent and gave him $200 from the Peninsula Home Fund to help with move-in costs.

“They are like angels, as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “They’ve helped me a great deal.”

OlyCAP, the No. 1 emergency-care agency in Clallam and Jefferson counties, oversees the Home Fund for the Peninsula Daily News, screening the applicants and carefully distributing the funds.

No money is deducted by the PDN for administration fees or any other overhead. Every penny goes to OlyCAP to administer the fund.

Unable to work

Once a hard worker, German said his illnesses eventually rendered him unable to work.

At first, he got by only with the help of a state-funded general assistance program that provided him with $330 a month plus $200 in food stamps.

He was awarded Social Security disability income in 2008.

With that, he said, his food stamps were cut in half and the money was barely enough to pay for his rent, food and utilities, so “it’s a constant struggle to get by, let alone save any money to move.”

Port Townsend has a limited amount of rental units available, he said.

When a subsidized unit opened up, he didn’t have enough money to secure the place.

The Home Fund was able to provide him with a voucher for rental assistance.

“It was the Home Fund that provided the funds to make it possible for me to move,” German said.

“I’m very grateful for the fund and that there are people who support it because without it, I don’t know where I’d be.

“I have a tremendous amount of gratitude.”

He said during the recession, “many services have been cut that use to help people in my circumstances get by.

“And so every time I hear the government might shut down, it makes me crazy because for me and many others, homelessness is one disability check away, so I’m very appreciative of those who recognize the plight of those less fortunate by supporting the Home Fund.”

Peninsula’s safety net

Every year, the Peninsula Daily News’ “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund provides a safety net for local residents when there is nowhere else to turn.

To continue its success, the Home Fund depends on its compassionate donors delivering hope to thousands of individuals and families, many with young children, who suddenly face an emergency situation and can’t find help elsewhere.

From Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to Sequim and LaPush, the Home Fund helps children, teens, families and the elderly to get through an emergency situation.

Money from the Home Fund is used for hot meals for seniors in Jefferson and Clallam counties; warm winter coats for kids; keeping the heat on, home repairs, clothing, furniture, food, rent and other essentials for a low-income family; needed prescription drugs; dental work; safe, drug-free temporary housing; eyeglasses — the list goes on and on.

The Home Fund is not a welfare program.

The average amount of help is usually below $100; this year has been $70 per person.

No money is deducted by the Peninsula Daily News for administration fees or any other overhead.

Every penny goes to OlyCAP to administer the fund, and every penny contributed goes to support our neighbors in need in Jefferson and Clallam counties.

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.

How to apply for a Home Fund grant

To apply for a Peninsula Home Fund grant, contact one of the three OlyCAP offices:

■ Its Port Angeles office is at 228 W. First St., Suite J (Armory Square Mall); 360-452-4726. For Port Angeles and Sequim area residents.

■ Its Port Townsend office is at 823 Commerce Loop; 360-385-2571. For Jefferson County residents.

■ The Forks office is at 421 Fifth Ave.; 360-374-6193. For West End residents.

Leave a message in the voice mail box at any of the three numbers, and a Home Fund caseworker will phone you back.

OlyCAP’s website is www.olycap.org; email is action@olycap.org.

If you have any questions about the fund, phone Terry Ward, PDN publisher, at 360-417-3500 or email tward@peninsuladailynews.com.

Making contributions

While most of the money for the Peninsula Home Fund is raised between Thanksgiving and Dec. 31, the fund itself never closes.

Donations of any amount are always welcome.

To donate online by credit card, please click on www.secure.peninsuladailynews.com/homefund.

Below is the list of the donors whose contributions were processed between Dec. 31, 2015, and Jan. 6.

Thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors:

• XI IOTA Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, Port Angeles — $500.

• Bill Morlan, Sequim — $100. In memory of Peg Barreca, honoring her generous spirit.

• Jim and Marie Moran, Port Angeles — $150.

• Thomas Coville, Port Angeles — $30.

• Dorothy West, Sequim — $100. In memory of Earl M. West.

• Richard and Shari McMenamin, Sequim — $1,000.

• Diane Pirner, Sequim — $500. In memory of Conrad Pirner.

• Lee Bowen and Sue Gilleland, Sequim — $200.

• Louise R. Potter, Sequim — $200. In memory of Ruthella G. Potter.

• David and Merry Estrem, Sequim — $500.

• Dennis and Mary Hood, Sequim — $100.

• Joy Beaver, Sequim — $250.

• Sara and Ed Davis, Port Ludlow — $50.

Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):

• Warren and Chris Walvatne, Port Townsend. In memory of our parents, Casper and Anna Walvatne, and Clarence and Betty Brown.

• Robert Pfeiffer, Port Angeles.

• Eric and Christine Brown, Port Angeles.

• Andy and Marilyn Rose, Port Angeles.

• Bronson West and Marian Birch, Port Angeles.

• Shirley Lehman, Sequim. In memory and love for Chuck and Randy.

• David and Ann Salmon, Sequim. In memory of Ethel and Leon Salmon.

• Velma Johnson, Sequim. In honor of Corky Johnson.

• Roger Lien, Beaver.

• Harry and Marla Bell, Port Angeles.

• Steve and Gwyn Callis, Port Angeles.

• Barbara Hughes, Sequim.

• Marie C. Cauvel, Port Angeles. In honor of Claudia.

• William and Marge Pieratt, Port Angeles.

• Jim and Robbie Mantooth, Port Angeles. In honor of John Brewer. We appreciate the continuing commitment of our community newspaper to the fund established by the retired publisher.

• Carol Graves and John Collins, Port Townsend.

• Marianne Campbell.

• Mary M.

• John and Judy Farnsworth, Sequim.

• Sheila Winstead, Sequim. In memory of Winifred Hickie, my dear mother. Miss you more and more as the years go by.

• Inger M.

• Laura Berh.

• Gail Tate, Port Angeles.

• Pat Wisen, Sequim.

• Larry Nickey and Jacilee Wray, Port Angeles.

• Lisa Hilt, Port Angeles. In memory of family and friends.

• Tara Craig, Sequim. In memory of Sofie Louise.

• Pamela Cameron, Sequim. In memory of Valmer and Pearl Cameron.

• Dottie Hopkins, Port Angeles. In honor of my children.

• Juanita B. Jones, Sequim. In honor of Tammy Leishman.

• Bill and Joyce Brown, Port Townsend.

• Russ and Janet Holt, Sequim.

Shirley and Steve Clark, Port Angeles. In honor of Emily Stolz and Mary Clark.

• Paul and Mara Mowery, Port Angeles.

• Jack and Kristine Morris, Chimacum. In honor of Helen Durkopp.

• Frances Russo, Port Angeles. In memory of father and brother, Angelo and James Prodoti.

• Walter Classman, Sequim.

• Janice Hodge, Port Townsend. In memory of Molly, our bulldog.

• Rita and Tom Thatcher, Sequim. In honor of our sons, Tim and Todd.

• Vicky Murphy, Port Angeles.

• Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Hart, Port Angeles. In memory and in honor of our parents.

• Al and Muriel Main, Port Angeles.

• Skotheims Family, Port Angeles.

• Barbara Bucholz and Bob Bullinger Sequim.

• George and Elsbeth Switzer, Sequim.

• Olympic Suites Inn, Forks.

• Carla Michaels, Sequim.

• David and Loretta Bryant, Sequim.

• May Carrell, Port Angeles.

• Jeanne and David Oldenkamp, Port Angeles.

• David and Barbara Allen, Forks. In honor of Barney and Sylvia Murphy.

• William Bugg, Sequim. In memory of Sharon Bugg.

• Sue Raley, Port Townsend. In honor of Joanne Tyler.

• Charles and Martha Standley, Port Angeles.

• Chris Lemon, Port Angeles. In memory of Danny Holmquist.

• Randy and Kim Lemon, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Danny Holmquist.

• Lawrence and Pamela Laing, Sequim.

• Peggy Myre, Port Townsend.

• Heidi Pasco, Marietta, Ga.

• Gail Rodgers, Port Townsend.

• Scott Nagel, Port Angeles.

Jes Schumacher and Kristian Brevik, Port Townsend. In loving memory of Jay C. Brevik, who had a caring and compassionate heart. He supported the PDN Home Fund for years prior to his passing.

• Bonnee Zander, Tacoma. In honor of Rebecca Zander. Thanks to Rebecca for all she does for her community and me.

Many thanks also to these donors (who ­requested anonymity):

• Port Angeles, $500.

• Fresno, Calif., $500. Thank you for providing this opportunity for us to help those who can use a hand up.

• Sequim, $50.

• Port Townsend, $50.

• Port Angeles, $50.

• Port Ludlow, $100.

• Sequim, $100.

• Port Angeles, $10.

• Sequim, $200.

• Sequim, $200.

• Sequim, $13,550.

• Port Angeles, $50.

• Sequim, $175.

• Sequim, $50. In honor of Jesus Christ.

• Port Angeles, $300.

• Port Angeles, $193.

• Carlsborg, $100.

• Port Angeles, $100.

• Sequim, $100. Peace on earth, please.

• Sequim, $100.

• Port Angeles, $300.

• Port Townsend, $50.

• Carlsborg, $2,500.

• Carlsborg, $400. In honor of the staff and owners of my favorite restaurants, Alder Wood Bistro, Cafe Garden, Dockside Grill and Oak Table Cafe. The staff is always courteous and enjoyable to be around, and the food is wonderful.

• Port Angeles, $500.

• Sequim, $1,000.

• Port Angeles, $550.

• Port Angeles, $500.

• Sequim, $20.

• Sequim, $1,000.

• Port Angeles, $25.

• Port Townsend, $100.

• Sequim, $100.

• Sequim, $300.

• Sequim, $100.

• $250.

• Port Angeles, $125. In honor of my parents.

• Port Angeles, $25.

• Port Angeles, $100.

• Chimacum, $25.

• Sequim, $100.

• Port Angeles, $100.

• Port Angeles, $200.

• Port Ludlow, $250. In memory of Rhett Hering, for life and love.

• Sequim, $500.

• Sequim, $100.

• Sequim, $500. In honor and loving memory of our beloved dads, Robert and Edward. Both served their country with respect, pride and dignity. We are so very proud of them.

• Milwaukee, Wis., $70. In honor of returning veterans.

_________

EVEN THE BEST handwriting can be hard to decipher at times.

Please report any errors in this list to Terry Ward, 360-417-3500 (there’s voice mail if he’s away), or email him at tward@peninsuladailynews.com.

We’ll rerun the listing correctly.

Our sincerest appreciation again to our donors.

More in News

Port Angeles teachers’ union votes to honor paraeducators’ picket line on April 8

Members of the Port Angeles Education Association voted overwhelmingly… Continue reading

Funding needed for Port Townsend homeless shelter

Operation at Legion Hall to close April 30

Port of Port Angeles renews lease for Composite Recycling Technology Center

Agreement covers 26,000 square feet at airport business park

Fire district volunteers lauded

Clallam County Fire District No. 3 recently recognized seven members… Continue reading

Clallam to continue providing deputy to Forks

Contract includes wages, mileage and maintenance reimbursement

Maintenance closes section of Olympic Discovery Trail

A portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail is closed… Continue reading

Hanna Paoluccu of Alexander, N.Y., and Rosie Berg of Nevada City, Calif., members of the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and working with the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Board, remove poisonous hemlock weed from along the Larry Scott Trail in Port Townsend on Monday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Poison hemlock removal in Port Townsend

Hanna Paoluccu of Alexander, N.Y., and Rosie Berg of Nevada City, Calif.,… Continue reading

YMCA to build childcare facility

$1-2M still needed for $6.7M project

Port Townsend Police Department recognizes award recipients

The Port Townsend Police Department recognized officers, employees, volunteers… Continue reading

Port Angeles High School evacuated due to bomb threat

Nothing suspicious found, principal says

A tree that has grown out of its tree box and shattered a nearby curb and sidewalk in the 100 block of North Oak Street is among those targeted for removal and replacement in downtown Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles tree and sidewalk replacement to begin Monday

The Port Angeles downtown tree and sidewalk replacement project… Continue reading

Grant for Forks treatment plant to be discussed

The Clallam County Opportunity Fund Advisory Board will discuss… Continue reading