Mom, toddler moved from car to apartment, thanks to Extend-A-Hand program funding
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 these:
One day in 2022 a mother named Alison and her son, Brodie, realized they could finally take a breath — they’d just moved into the hotel they were staying in through Extend-a-Hand while they waited to secure a permanent home of their own.
Alison and Brodie had been living in their car, parked on the street, constantly worrying that it would get towed. Alison couldn’t move the car because it wouldn’t start and it cost too much to repair.
Being a single mother to a toddler was tough enough to begin with, but since she was unemployed and couldn’t afford a place for her and Brodie, it was debilitating.
The hotel room was a game-changer. Alison had also received Extend-a-Hand funds to get her car fixed, and in the hotel parking lot there was no threat of towing. Now, Alison could work on finding a job — which she could now drive to — and getting Brodie into a Head Start program for tuition-free preschool, keeping them safe and healthy in the meantime.
She worked with a case manager to find a permanent home. Once Alison had the building blocks for her and Brodie to thrive in their own home, she was stunned to hear from her case manager that their new apartment was ready for her to move into. One of the final steps to the life she’d long hoped for was really happening.
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.
For a limited time, donors can make an even greater impact by having their contributions matched. An anonymous donor via the Whatcom Community Foundation has pledged to double all donations made between Dec. 27 and Jan. 15, offering a unique opportunity to increase the reach and effectiveness of your support. Don’t miss out on this chance to maximize the value of your generosity.
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 campaign donors 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 at www.oppco.org/extend-a-hand, or by calling Katie Rose at 360-734-5121, ext. 1332.
This story was originally published January 13, 2024 at 2:00 AM with the headline "Mom, toddler moved from car to apartment, thanks to Extend-A-Hand program funding."