GiveBig2020

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020 | Special Advertising Section 1 R 12 It’s been only a couple of months since our world turned upside down. For many of us, the “new normal” means spending more time at home, adjusting to telecommuting and changing our routine activities. For others, and for many who turn to Hopelink for help every day, the COVID-19 crisis means something else entirely. It means loss of a job. Loss of medical insurance. The threat of homelessness. A loss of stability. COVID-19 has affected lives and livelihoods, our actions and interactions, our reality and our dreams. And it will likely change each of us, in some way, forever. Last year, Hopelink served more than 65,000 people, helping those in crisis gain stability, and ensuring that others have the tools and skills they need to exit poverty for good. For many, stability can be a fragile reality in even ordinary times. Today, life is far from ordinary. A man who is living in his car turns to us for food, and over time, begins to take steps toward getting back on his feet; finding a job and a place he can finally afford to live — until he is laid off. A young mom fleeing domestic violence finds a new start in a safe location, but fears that returning to her abuser may be her only option if she can’t pay her rent. A grandmother living alone relies on Hopelink for food and help heating her apartment, but worries that she won’t be able to remain independent if that support is no longer available. During this challenging time, Hopelink is continuing to serve the community we are proud to call home by helping current clients as well as those newly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. We know that the number of people needing help with food and shelter will likely increase substantially in the coming months. We are strong, resilient and prepared. And we are com- mitted to doing everything we can to be there for those who need us, helping ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community are able to weather this crisis, regain stability and be- gin again to realize their dreams. Offering hope and stability during the ‘new normal’ PROVIDED BY HOPELINK The Hopelink approach to ending poverty delivers a synergistic network of programs — from food, shelter and heat to adult education, transportation and employment help. Based in Redmond, Hopelink serves 65,000 people every year. More information is available at hopelink.org. GIVE TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEED