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 on Wednesday.
PORT ANGELES — The distance is often very short between those of us with jobs and homes and medical care — and those residents in Jefferson and Clallam counties for whom fate has dealt a much different reality.
Case managers for the Peninsula Daily News’ “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund again this year heard heartbreaking stories of unexpected poverty and illness — and more recipients were seeking help from the fund for the first time, often because a family member recently lost a job.
More often than not, their feeling of helplessness has been a new experience for them.
Always showing respect and kindness to people who don’t always receive that in their daily lives, Home Fund staff’s most important goal is to get the individual or family through a crisis and back on the path to self-sufficiency.
Whenever possible, 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.
The fund is not set up to hand out money passively — recipients play active roles in their own success, their own rehabilitation, their own empowerment, their own futures.
That’s the “hand up, not a handout” focus of the Home Fund.
The Home Fund also takes a relatively small amount of money — the average amount of help this year has been about $57 per family — and aim it at the precise point where it can do maximum good, where it can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
There are no layers of bureaucracy.
It’s very local.
And very personal.
Amber’s story
Medical issues required a trip to a specialist in Seattle for Amber.
But the budget was already stretched to the limit putting food on the table for her children, leaving nothing for her and her husband to pay for a trip down the highway, across Puget Sound and back.
It was urgent that she get to Seattle — but how?
She was put in touch with the OlyCAP office in Port Angeles.
OlyCAP is nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency-care agency in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
It also screens the applicants for the Home Fund and distributes the funds.
OlyCAP was able to provide her with money from the Home Fund.
It got her past this crisis so she and her husband, who have little two girls younger than 3, can continue to concentrate on rebuilding their lives that were almost derailed by previous setbacks.
“At the time my husband was going to school and wasn’t working, so we had no money to pay for the fuel and ferry just to get over there — I was so stressed,” said Amber.
Thankfully, she says, the Home Fund was able to cover those urgent travel costs.
“It was such a relief,” she said. “I’m so grateful the Home Fund was able to help us out when we really needed it.”
Both Amber, 28, and husband, 33, are Port Angeles natives.
At the time of her medical situation, her husband was going to Peninsula College full-time to earn a degree in welding.
Recently, he was able to land a job as a welder at a ship repair facility.
“Now he’s working and going to school full-time to get his two-year welding degree,” said Amber.
“So we’re still struggling to catch up on our bills, but it’s a blessing to have him working.”
The 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 individuals and households like Amber’s.
As we move into winter, the toughest period of the year, all of the money collected in 2011 is expected to be exhausted byDec. 31.
■ The 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.
■ The 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. 1 and Dec. 5.
Thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors like Amber:
■ Sandra and Russ Hesselman, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Scott Hesselman.
■ J.C. and Pat, Sequim — $200.
■ Fred and Georgine Sullivan, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Yvonne Dillon and Daniel Zimm, Port Townsend — $100.
■ D. Jean Lodeen, Port Angeles — $200. In memory of D. Erven Lodeen.
■ John and Jeanne Skow, Port Angeles — $1,000.
■ Kieth and Laurene Haugland, Port Angeles — $200.
■ Gary and Lynn Anderson, Sequim — $100.
■ Jane and Randy Priest, Sequim — $100.
■ Marge Hansen, Port Angeles — $500. In memory of Ken Hansen.
■ Raymond Bentsen, Sequim — $100.
■ James and Beverly Cone, Sequim — $100.
■ William and Nancy Irvine, Sequim and Santa Barbara, Calif. — $200.
■ Jack and Millie Lyon, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Ann Kennedy, Port Angeles — $100. With a prayer.
■ Riley L. and Ann K. Bigler, Sequim — $100.
■ Mr. and Mrs. R. Worley, Sequim — $5,000.
■ Cynthia Knudson, Port Townsend — $100. In memory of Mark Knudson.
■ Hansi Hals, Port Angeles — $50.
■ Pete and Bonnie, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Charlotte Graham, RN.
■ Margaret S. Savory, Port Angeles — $100. In honor of great-grandson Quinn.
■ Samuel Shusterman, Port Townsend — $200. In memory of Frances P. Shusterman.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
■ Rose Crumb, Port Angeles. In memory of Red Crumb.
■ Eleanor A. Thornton, Forks. In memory of Floyd Thornton. His birthday was Dec. 25.
■ Del and Kris Cadwallader, Port Angeles. In honor of our son, Erik Slater, home after 14 years of military service. In memory of Patrick and David Cadwallader, killed in Vietnam.
■ Dick and Dottie Foster, Port Angeles.
■ Sequim Prairie Garden Club, Sequim.
■ Hoch Construction, Inc., Port Angeles.
■ Stan and Sally Garlick, Port Angeles. In memory of Peter Drobka.
■ Agnes R. Hansen, Forks. In memory of Larry Hansen.
■ Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and 7 Ceders Casino, Sequim. We at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and the 7 Cedars Casino Resort properties (including The Longhouse Market and the Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course) have been blessed with much success.
We want to also recognize that this support also comes from our other businesses, i.e., Jamestown Excavating, JKT Development Co., the Jamestown Family Health and Dental Clinics and our Northwest Native Expressions Gallery.
We believe that as S’Klallam people we are culturally known for our strength and generosity.
It is in the nature, character and culture of the Jamestown people to give to those in need whether they are of S’Klallam ancestry or from the neighboring non-native community.
In this cooperative spirit, we humbly submit this donation to your organization to assist in your efforts to serve those in need.
We very much appreciate the service you provide to the community during the holiday season and throughout the year.
We wish to you and all who support your cause a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
— W. Ron Allen, tribal chairman/chief executive officer, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
— Jerry R. Allen, chief executive officer, 7 Cedars Casino
■ Jack Anderson, Bigfork, Mont.
■ Don and Barbara Smith, Port Townsend.
■ Richard and Karen Grennan, Sequim. In loving memory of Mom and Gail.
■ Bill and Pennie Dickin, Sequim. In memory of Phyllis Bowen.
■ Homer and Karla Muto, Port Angeles.
■ Dale and Phyllis Luther, Port Angeles.
■ Betty M. Gray, Port Angeles. In memory of Don Gray.
■ Richard and Sally Ruud, Port Angeles.
■ Mike and Marlene McMillen, Port Angeles. In memory of Keith McMillen — we love and miss you very much, you will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
■ Vernon S. Cooper, Sequim.
■ Jon and Lori Jacobs, Port Angeles.
■ Joe and Renee Bleile, Sequim. In memory of Midge and Erv Wotasiak. You are missed so much!
■ Monte Rivett, Port Angeles. In memory of Grandma Rivett and Grandma Parrish — two of the best!
■ Cynthia Spawn, Port Angeles. In honor of Baxter.
■ Janis A. Allen, Port Angeles. In memory of Manny and Mo.
■ Edna Kridler, Sequim.
■ Robin and Dave Sheriff, Port Angeles.
■ Brad and Nancy Anseth, Sequim.
■ Phil Edin and Margie Huetter, Port Angeles.
■ Rita Marston, Port Angeles. In memory of Don Marston.
■ Penny Ervin, Port Angeles. In honor of Doug Cudd, the best dad ever! Merry Christmas!
■ Carolyn Muller, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Willard Muller.
■ Bill and Sharon Alton, Port Angeles.
■ Cliff Vining, Sequim.
■ June Matriotti, Sequim.
■ Daphne Raymond, Port Angeles. In memory of Leo and Brian.
■ Lillian Green, Port Angeles. In memory of Harold.
■ R.M. Demorest, Port Angeles.
n Jack and Jan Tatom, Sequim. In honor of Wayne Uht.
■ David R. Martin, Sequim.
■ Gary and Geri Braun, Port Angeles.
■ Bob and Berit Cole, Sequim.
■ Juanita Weissenfels, Forks. In memory of Liz Brown.
■ Roger Lien, Beaver. In memory of Joan Lien.
■ Ed Curington, Sequim.
■ Steve McCreary, Port Townsend.
■ Tom Stewart, Port Townsend.
■ Fred and Carol Royce, Port Angeles.
■ Stanley and Mary Lou Johann, Sequim. In honor of Service Personnel.
■ Peter and Darlene Granlund, Port Angeles.
■ Mary Robinson, Port Angeles. In memory of Robbie.
■ Gordon and Betty Zander, Sequim. In memory of Todd Zander.
■ The Lovely Family Trust, Port Angeles.
■ Marie Botnen, Sequim. In memory of Nadene Botnen.
■ Raymond and Janet Morgan, Port Angeles.
■ George and Bertha, Port Angeles.
■ Carl G. Sivers, Kent.
■ Claudia and Rich Fox, Sequim. In memory of Dan Holmquist.
■ Gary and Elaine Nelson, Port Townsend.
■ Bill and Sarah Tozier, Port Angeles. With hopes for peace and health for ALL people.
■ Edna and James Kridler, Sequim.
■ James Symes, Sequim.
■ Rene Croteay, Port Angeles.
■ Shirley Fink, Port Angeles.
■ Ron and Marilyn Carlson, Sequim.
■ Jay and Alicia Crawford, Sequim. In memory of Violet O’Dell.
■ Barbara Vanderwerf, Sequim.
■ AMS Audio Enterprises, Inc., Sequim.
■ Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In honor of my awesome family. You become more precious to me each year.
■ Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In memory of Todd McGarvie, Fred and Lucy Ordona, Terry Cameron, and the loss this year of Bill Olson, Rich Liljedahl and Al Remington. You are missed, my dear friends.
■ Gary and Dora Schaefer, Port Angeles.
■ Faith Haynes and Don Knowles, Sequim.
■ Dolores Mangano, Port Angeles.
■ Ronald A. and Robin L. Sidwell, Port Angeles.
■ Janice Tuttle, Port Angeles. In memory of Kathleen Halloran.
■ Murven and Helen Sears, Port Angeles.
■ June German, Port Angeles. In memory of Kelly German.
■ Barbara Brittingham, Port Angeles. In memory of beloved sister Joan Favre.
■ Richard E. Rian, Port Angeles.
■ C.C. Woodahl and C.F. Barclay, Sequim. In honor and memory of our parents.
■ Charles and Hazel Blake, Sequim.
■ Lynn Langford, Port Angeles. In honor of Calvin Langford.
■ Pamela W. Mirrer, Sequim.
■ Bill and Dorothy Caldwell, Sequim.
■ Ethel Crutcher, Port Townsend.
■ Linda Whitehouse, Port Angeles. In memory of William A. Whitehouse.
■ Jim and Jean Sanderson, Carlborg. In memory of Prosper Ostrowski.
■ Barbara Baker, Sequim. In memory of Cy Severson.
■ Diane Kaufman, Port Angeles. In honor of Tom Thompson.
■ Robert Massey, Sequim. In honor of Margaret Massey.
■ Margie Faires, Port Angeles.
■ Steve and Lucy Nordwell, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob Kennedy.
■ John and Nancy Jost, Sequim.
■ Robert and Mary Weidner, Port Townsend.
■ Dorothea Morgan, Port Angeles.
■ Sue Priddy and Allen Herlyck, Port Townsend.
■ James R. and Elena S. Karr, Sequim. In memory of Gus.
■ Robert and Susan Erzen, Sequim.
■ Brooke Taylor, Port Angeles. In honor of all who serve.
■ Nancy Hafner, Port Townsend. In memory of Kenneth.
■ Clair and Marge Paschal, Port Hadlock.
■ Mary K. Otto, Port Angeles. In honor of Si Otto.
■ Bob and Jan Quick, Port Ludlow.
■ Dolores (Dee) Chivers, Sequim. In memory of Elsie Stockton, a very special lady.
■ Russ and Sue Dornbush, Sequim.
■ Mike and Candace Shale, Sequim.
■ Dianne Smith, Port Angeles.
■ Fran and Joe Streva, Sequim.
■ David and Sandra Marsh, Sequim.
■ Heather Peters, Chimacum. In memory of Jack Phillips. For my Grampy, who lived a life of such thoughtfulness. May we walk always in the path you left for us to follow.
■ Denise E. Clarke, DMD, Port Angeles.
■ David Brewer, Port Angeles.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $300. In memory of Bob Mac.
■ Port Ludlow — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $250.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $25. In memory of Mike Seymour.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $5,000.
■ Port Townsend — $20.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $500.
■ Port Angeles — $100. In memory of our loved ones.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Angeles — $35.
■ Sequim — $20.
■ Sequim — $150.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Ludlow — $250.
■ Sequim — $10.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $250. In memory of Marian Fisken Byse.
■ Sequim — $750.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $25. In memory of Karen Fritz.
■ Port Angeles — $800.
■ Sequim — $500.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $50.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Sequim — $10.
■ Port Townsend — $25. Happy holidays and blessings to all those involved in making the PDN Home Fund possible.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Carol Shepherd.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $200.
■ Sequim — $30.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
_________
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.
