Amidst current COVID-19 related challenges, IRIS is continuing to support the basic human needs of immigrant families. We remain committed to providing immediate support to families in crisis.
During this time in which there is an abundance of negative news, IRIS would like to share some of our recent success stories and to acknowledge the people who make our work possible.
4% Friday at the Co-op was a huge success. $2446.00 was raised and IRIS representatives had the opportunity to meet with many supportive community members. A huge thank you to the Skagit Valley Co-op!!
“The work of IRIS is so important! I love supporting the on-the-ground work you do, knowing it makes a huge difference in people’s lives. Keep it up!”
Lynn Behar
IRIS would like to thank Lynn and Howard Behar for their continued support since IRIS’ inception.
IRIS is able to quickly respond to families in crisis because of the generosity of volunteers. Julie Barr, one of IRIS’ most active volunteers, has dedicated many hours to IRIS. She regularly sources items and delivers to families in need. Julie brings with her a wealth of experience in non-profit work and has also lead the effort on recent projects. We are tremendously grateful for her expertise and support. Thank you JULIE!
Recipient Updates
Success Stories from 2019
A previously homeless family is now stable. In addition to having stable housing and adequate food, the overwhelming stress they were experiencing after fleeing a life-threatening situation is beginning to lift. Both parents are employed and their two children are excelling in school.
Two single mothers and their children who were living in a shelter and facing the threat of homelessness have recently transitioned into stable housing. In the words of one mother, IRIS volunteers are “like angels that were put in our path to give us hope when all we could see was darkness.”
Current Recipients
A disabled elderly U.S. veteran and his wife have been struggling to meet their basic needs largely because of the husband’s medical problems. IRIS paid for needed dental services, provided them with food and shoes, and also collaborated with a local roofing company to replace the roof of their mobile home. IRIS continues to support them as they re-stabilize. (See photos below).
A single mother of three children was living in a motel for several months and facing homelessness. IRIS paid motel fees and purchased food and clothing for the children. Recently, the family transitioned into stable housing and IRIS is continuing to support them as needed.
IRIS delivered an air mattress, food, and clothing to a single mother and her two-year-old daughter who were sleeping on a small couch in an overcrowded residence. IRIS is continuing to support them with basic items while they stabilize.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the help that you have given us. It was raining into our home and all of our belongings and food were getting wet. My husband is a disabled veteran and because of his recent medical problems we had not been able to fix our roof. Now, we are dry and we are so happy. IRIS also provided new shoes to my husband and helped us with food. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.” ~IRIS Recipient (pictured above).
A HUGE thank you to GM Roofing! Owner Sergio Guzman and his team donated their time and materials to provide an IRIS recipient family with a brand new roof on their motor home! IRIS reached out to Sergio to request a quote. After visiting the residence and observing the visible hardship of this family, Sergio offered to donate his time and the time of his employees to replace the roof. In addition, we thank Michael Singfield for donating his labor to make this project happen. We are moved by the generosity of our community members.
IRIS would also like to thank Elaine Mehary for designing this wonderful graphic, along with our brochure! Elaine has generously donated her talent and time to IRIS and we are deeply grateful.