PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Following a distressing report on the increasing eviction issues in Vancouver, a ray of hope emerges for one family.
Recently, KOIN, an affiliate, detailed the plight of an elderly couple in their 80s forced to leave their home after living there for 15 years.
In the aftermath, the local community has rallied, providing invaluable support to the veteran, his wife, their son, and their 9-year-old grandson, all of whom lived together in the house.
“I don’t have a place to live now. But it’s been really gracious what these people are doing,” said Tom Berg, who is 82 and disabled.
His wife, 83, said the outpouring of support has given the family hope amid the heartbreak.
“Thank you, I mean words can’t express our appreciation,” said Marlene Berg.
The couple said starting over in their 80s was unexpected.
“Stuff taken out, strewn all over the place, throwing…there was stuff thrown out upstairs windows,” Marlene said.
What happened next caught them even more by surprise.
Prior to the news story, the National Women’s Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation (NWCAVE) had initiated a fundraiser as part of the regional Give More 24! campaign to assist the family.
“To see 15 years of stuff just tossed out like garbage. So much of that wasn’t garbage, and now it is,” said NWCAVE President Michelle Bart.
According to Bart, after the couple’s situation aired on KOIN 6, the fundraising efforts have accelerated notably, even though the NWCAVE’s main 24-hour event of contribution, aligned with various organizations aiming to give back, is set to commence at midnight on Sept. 25.
The nonprofit has surpassed its initial $5,000 goal for the couple, with close to 150 contributors helping raise nearly $12,000 to support the family’s recovery.
“It’s just mind-boggling that people who don’t know you have responded like they have. We just really appreciate every single one,” Marlene said.
Since the original story aired last week, NWCAVE said OnPoint Removal Services offered to move what items could be salvaged off the street and into a storage unit donated by a generous family from Washougal.
“We saw the original story and were struck by the sorrow on Marlene’s face. My husband said, ‘How can people treat their fellow human beings like this, especially a vulnerable older couple?”‘ said the Washougal donors, who asked to remain anonymous. “Then we realized that we didn’t have to just be sad about it, we could actually do something to make a difference for them.”
Other donations also secured two hotel rooms through Oct. 1 to temporarily house the family, and their dog Bella, as they connect with the VA and other resources to find permanent housing.
NWCAVE said they’ve already received three matching donors, including the Firstenberg Foundation.
“I think they would be happy to know that we’re helping this couple,” Bart said.
“We need to find a place that we can afford, and we will,” Tom said
The Bergs are not alone. Washington state data shows rising rates of eviction in Clark County. In addition, hotel management at the Woodspring Suites told KOIN 6 News that roughly half of the rooms they rent go to people recently evicted.
The fundraiser will be active through the main NWCAVE Give More 24! event on Sept. 25.
Click here to make a donation to support the Berg Family through the Give More 24! fundraiser.
