Extend-a-Hand put grandmother and student on the way to permanent housing

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:

Last winter, a local grandmother and her teenage granddaughter found temporary shelter through Extend-a-Hand and Opportunity Council’s motel stay program.

They stayed in the safety of the motel over the course of the next few months, working with the Housing Program to find a more permanent home.

Early this spring, they celebrated as the granddaughter graduated high school and was moved into housing closer to college. Knowing her granddaughter had a safe place to stay and a fresh start at college, the grandma was able to move to more stable housing while she continues her journey to a permanent place to call 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.