Extend-A-Hand helped her ‘know where her kids would sleep’ so she could find a job, home

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:

With no family or other resources or supports, BC and her four children were living out of their car before they learned about Opportunity Council’s family motel program.

Now sheltered in a hotel, BC worked with her case manager to find a home for her family and increase her income so she could support them.

Thanks to the stability that comes with knowing where her kids would sleep each night, she soon found a full-time job and a new home to rent.

BC continued to work with her case manager and receive rental assistance until she was able to pay her family’s rent fully on her own.

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.