Client Stories
Hard Times for a Veteran
Jonathan and his family were facing the harsh reality of eviction. After serving his country as a parachute jumper, Jonathan now battles physical injuries and PTSD. His wife homeschools their two younger children, focusing on their education and well-being, while the family strives to make ends meet on Jonathan’s disability benefits.
The recent bomb cyclone left the family in a dire situation, spoiling their food and forcing them to use limited resources to restock essentials. This, coupled with the struggle to manage rising rent, had left them two months behind. Despite receiving aid from local organizations like St. Vincent de Paul and food assistance programs, the challenges of recovering from their financial setbacks have been overwhelming.
Jonathan shared his fear of losing their home and their Section 8 housing voucher, which is critical to their stability. Community support has been their lifeline. Issaquah Community Services and other local groups have rallied to help cover their eviction balance, offering hope in a dark time.
Jonathan’s story is a testament to the resilience and power of neighbors helping neighbors, proving that a united community can make a difference in the face of hardship.
Challenges of an Immigrant Single Mom
Nida is a mother of two young children who has shown remarkable resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges. Originally from Pakistan, she is highly educated, holds a degree from a prestigious foreign university, and has certification as behavioral therapist. Yet, life in the U.S. has tested her in ways she never imagined.
A survivor of domestic violence, Nida now raises her two young children alone. With her husband back in Pakistan, she faces the daily struggles of single parenthood without nearby family support. Despite securing a new job as a Mental Health Specialist, she struggled to make ends meet before her first paycheck, fearing eviction when unable to pay rent
ICS stepped in, providing more than just financial support. They coordinated with other organizations, pledged assistance, and worked to help Nida cover her rent and avoid eviction. Beyond this, they offered guidance and encouragement, helping her explore additional resources to strengthen her future.
With daycare and transportation arranged, Nida is ready to start her new job. Her journey reflects remarkable strength, resilience, and the power of a supportive community.
A Devastating Illness
Ava’s recovery from brain surgery was slow and challenging. Unable to work during her healing process, the weight of unpaid rent and mounting responsibilities grew heavier each day. Thankfully, her daughter Miranda had stepped in to help where she could, offering care and support at home.
Together, they contacted Issaquah Community Services (ICS), hoping for assistance. From their first contact, Ava and Miranda felt the warmth and compassion of the ICS team. They listened to Ava’s story and understood the urgency of the situation. ICS stepped in to provide financial support, helping with rent and easing one of the most pressing burdens.
For Ava, this help was more than just practical—it was a source of emotional relief during an incredibly trying time. Miranda, too, felt grateful knowing her mother wasn’t facing these challenges alone. ICS’s support extended beyond finances, offering resources and reassurance that brighter days lay ahead.
With the promise of returning to work soon, Ava felt hopeful again. Thanks to ICS, she could focus on her recovery without the constant worry of losing her home. This generosity reminded both Ava and Miranda that community care can make all the difference in moments of need.
Single Mom Faces Unexpected Job Loss
Maria has always taken pride in her ability to care for others. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for her 13-year-old, balancing the demands of work and parenting with quiet determination. But when she lost her job in January, the steady rhythm of her life was upended. Months of searching for work drained her savings, and the mounting pressure of overdue bills overwhelmed her.
By May, Maria had finally secured a new job as a Home Care Assistant. Though she was back on her feet, the transition was slow—her first paycheck was barely enough to cover basic needs, let alone catch up on rent. Determined to make it work, she contacted Issaquah Community Services (ICS) for help.
The team at ICS responded with empathy and urgency. They listened to Maria’s story and saw her potential to regain stability with just a little support. By helping with her rent, ICS provided Maria with breathing room to focus on her new job and build a sustainable future for herself and her child.
For Maria, ICS was more than a safety net—it was a lifeline, reminding her that hope and resilience could prevail with a bit of help.
A Delicate Balancing Act
Bettina has always been a devoted mother, juggling raising two children while navigating life’s challenges. Her oldest child’s disability often required her to be home, sacrificing time at work to provide the care and attention he needed. Despite her efforts, the time away from her job left her struggling to keep up with bills and rent.
When she received an eviction notice, Bettina felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her. She had moved into a less expensive apartment, hopeful for a fresh start. Still, the financial strain of balancing her children’s needs, household responsibilities and work schedule had made it difficult to get ahead.
When Bettina reached out to ICS, our team listened to her story and took action to help. By assisting with her rent, ICS eased the burden on Bettina’s shoulders, allowing her to catch her breath and focus on her family. This help put her on the road to financial stability, ensuring her children’s well-being, and brightening her family’s future.
When Your Job Threatens Your Health
For years, Martin had supported his family of four as an independent painting contractor while wife Sally stayed at home to be a fulltime caregiver for their two special needs sons. Then last year, Martin contracted a serious respiratory ailment that was exacerbated by the fumes at work. He had to quit painting to regain his health. With little income, the bills started piling up and the rent was past due. Though Martin had applied for government assistance and retail jobs, he had not yet received either. He turned to ICS in hopes of getting help. The assistance we provided enable the family to span the income gap until until a new job and other financial aid kicked in.
Keeping the heat on
A single man living on social security came to ICS in the middle of winter. He heats his home with diesel but was out of fuel and out of money. He had purchased fuel from a heating company in the past. An ICS volunteer called The Grange in Issaquah and learned their price was better than he had been paying. ICS and the Issaquah Food Bank each provided fuel vouchers, enough to get him through the winter.