Theft

The Humanitas team is constantly reminded of the fact that living from paycheck to paycheck exacts an emotional toll from people doing their best to live up to their responsibilities.  Trying to keep up with unexpected bills when theft enters the picture and a paycheck is no longer sufficient compounds their worries.    


Deirdre is a single mother of two managing on a little more than minimum wage.  While at Elizabeth Park with her children, her purse was stolen.  Her credit card, house keys, license and cash for the week were gone. She was embarrassed to ask for help but we were glad she found us. As her current insurance card and registration form were untouched in her car, we were able to give her a voucher for gasoline, thereby freeing up some money in her transportation budget to pay for changing the locks on her house.  A visit to other churches in the Network will enable her to meet the fees to replace her driver's license.


Dennis (his American name) is what is known in Canada as a "scoop" child.  In the sixties at the age of two, along with many other indigenous children, he was taken or "scooped" from his First Nation mother and sent to the United States for adoption.  His biological mother is still devastated as a result of this governmental action and over the years has continually refused to sign his adoption papers.  Thus he remains a Canadian citizen called Gilbert.  He jokingly introduced himself to us as "a man with two names." His Canadian passport (Gilbert), US Resident Permit (Dennis) and licenses for operating heavy machinery and truck driving were in his backpack when it was stolen.   However, the owner of a landscaping company has offered him a job so we made out a voucher for a bus pass so he can get to and from work.  He is saving up to replace all his paperwork which will cost him several hundred dollars. 


Pierce is a young man who came west to join his brother in Oak Harbor.  After only a few days there, he was beaten up and robbed.  He still bore the wounds on his face when we saw him.  He wanted a bus ticket back to Tennessee.   The west had lost its appeal for him.   We joined with our CRN partners and gave him a pledge towards his ticket home.


Humanitas has now been in operation for a year and a half.   Thank you for your continued support.  We feel privileged to be able to help the citizens of Bellingham on behalf of BUF.