hen Janelle walked through our doors, she had experienced many setbacks in life. She and so many others enter our doors wanting to start over. Some have health issues, and others have fallen on bad times, lost their job or their housing. It’s not easy to overcome multiple barriers. It makes it even harder to cope if there is not a family support system.

Your generosity is helping Janelle start over.

Janelle, 61 years old, has been a hard worker all her life. She had the difficult task of being a caregiver for people with memory problems. This alone tells us that she is a very caring individual. Because her employer had to close one of its facilities, Janelle lost her job after working there for 5 ½ years.

Not only did Janelle lose her job, but her landlord was doubling her rent. This was the final straw! Since Janelle had been in Grand Forks before, she called Northlands Rescue Mission asking if she could return. “They were very supportive,” says Janelle.

Having previously been in Grand Forks, Janelle felt it was time for a change of scenery. She had liked it here, remembered the “flat” and was ready to say goodbye to the mountains in Washington.  She felt by coming to the Mission, she would be able to get help and not have to “be out there struggling.”

Janelle, 61 years old, has been a hard worker all her life. She had the difficult task of being a caregiver for people with memory problems. This alone tells us that she is a very caring individual. Because her employer had to close one of its facilities, Janelle lost her job after working there for 5 ½ years.

Not only did Janelle lose her job, but her landlord was doubling her rent. This was the final straw! Since Janelle had been in Grand Forks before, she called Northlands Rescue Mission asking if she could return. “They were very supportive,” says Janelle.Having previously been in Grand Forks, Janelle felt it was time for a change of scenery. She had liked it here, remembered the “flat” and was ready to say goodbye to the mountains in Washington.  She felt by coming to the Mission, she would be able to get help and not have to “be out there struggling.”

Janelle says, “Without the Mission, I don’t know what I’d be doing. I guess I’d have to cross that path! We’re all individuals with different needs who live here. It’s like a ‘spice rack’. Mild to hot.” Janelle says she is so very grateful for the staff who show respect and care for the people who reside at the Mission.

“We have to work; volunteer and help with donations. It’s not easy. But it’s the same work you would have to do if you had a place of your own. There’s rules that you have to live by, but there are always rules in life. So, it’s okay. I live in a room for four ladies; two bunk beds. It’s nice”.

“I had a friend in Seattle that had been at Northlands Rescue Mission. He said it’s the best homeless shelter you can stay in. This is very true.”

Janelle feels this is her time. “And I don’t feel ashamed.” Janelle is confident that she will find a job and a new home. Having previously been a caregiver she is already planning to help a friend who will need knee surgery. “I’ll be there in a heartbeat to help her!”‍

Without your generosity, the caring staff would not be able to assist her, she is not sure where she would be now. The help she received is only possible because of your kindness. We cannot thank you enough for your caring generosity.