Document text
Newly housed family needs beds, shoes Sunday Dec 18, 2016 at 2:00 AM Dec 19, 2016 at 9:40 AM Newly housed family needs beds, shoes Sarah Lemon for the Mail Tribune @thewholedish Editor's note: Light One Candle is an annual series sponsored by the Mail Tribune that focuses on an individual, group or agency who could use a helping hand during the holiday season. Once that need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need. A home for the holidays has new meaning for this mother of five children, pregnant with her sixth. Some furniture and household goods would help this family settle into new surroundings after homelessness recently uprooted them. Awaiting renovations on a new rental home, the mother had terminated a lease on their former dilapidated dwelling. But construction delays caused them to live for more than three months in motels, depleting their funds and ultimately putting them on the streets. Separating from her husband, the 28-year-old woman has no family locally or any other support network, although she managed to maintain part-time employment. Rental assistance from ACCESS Inc. provided the family with means to move into a three-bedroom rental in Medford with little but a microwave. The entire family lacks beds and bedding, as well as a crib for the baby boy, due in February. The kitchen cupboards are bare of pots, pans, dishes and utensils, and the bathroom is virtually devoid of towels and hygiene items. Shoes for the kids, who range in age from 1 to 11, are among their most pressing needs. Sizes required are girls 6, 8½ and 12; boys 12; and women’s 5 and 5½. The mother also anticipates her new baby’s arrival with virtually no clothing or toys for him. A few Christmas gifts would delight the children. The oldest girl, 11, likes books while her 6-year-old sister wants a Monster High doll. The 4-year-old boy enjoys toy cars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. His younger sisters, 2 and 1, like Paw Patrol and any plaything that makes noise. To help, call ACCESS’s Matthew Vorderstrasse at 541-779-6691, ext. 365.