Extend-a-Hand helped father and son move from living in their car

The Bellingham Herald’s Extend-a-Hand charity appeal, now in its fifth decade, partners with Unity Care NW and the Opportunity Council to help families like this one:

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a single dad was facing higher living expenses that his limited income couldn’t cover.

He was living out of his car with his son before Extend-a-Hand and the Opportunity Council helped him turn their lives around.

Through simple, practical support like gas money, Extend-a-Hand meant this family got the help they needed. Dad was able to transport himself to his appointments, meetings and to work towards finding a new home.

After joining the Housing Program, he took parenting classes and even enrolled in training to become a peer-support specialist.

Able to access a Housing Subsidy through the Bellingham Housing Authority, this father and son have found affordable housing and are settled into their new home.

How to help

We hope you’ll consider also giving to Extend-a-Hand to help local organizations make big differences in small ways for Whatcom County residents who need immediate help with housing and health care all year long.

The Herald covers administrative costs up to $50,000 in donations, so gifts directly support people assisted at Unity Care NW and the Opportunity Council. Donations are tax-deductible, and donors through Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, will be recognized in The Herald.

▪ You can mail donation checks to Extend-a-Hand, c/o Opportunity Council, P.O. Box 2134, Bellingham, WA 98227.

▪ Donations are also accepted online via credit card or PayPal or by credit card using the form or QR code in The Herald’s print edition or by calling Kaitlyn Miller at 360-734-5121, ext. 333.

This story was originally published December 12, 2021 at 5:00 AM.