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For the second Christmas in a row, Blue Heron Jewelry has organized a fundraiser for Fishline that has been an extraordinary success. By offering their customers a coupon for a significant percentage off their purchase price, Blue Heron donates that reduction to Fishline. In this way, customers receive a great deal and donate to a great cause at the same time. It is an elegant, innovative holiday tradition for which Fishline is very grateful. A total of almost $6,000 has been raised between the two campaigns, an amazing gift that comes at the perfect time to help many families during the winter months. 

Throughout the year, Blue Heron and its owner, Leo Fried, also assists us by analyzing jewelry that is donated to our thrift shop, Second Season, to determine its value and assure we sell the pieces for what they are worth. This is a service that helps us raise money all year, something we could not do without their expertise.

Blue Heron is a friend to Fishline and its clients, expressing its support in many ways over the years. It is with our gratitude that we select this fine merchant as our Community Partner of the Month for March.

Blue Heron Jewelry Located on Front Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Poulsbo, between Sluy’s Bakery and Jensen Way NE.  Please visit and “like” their Facebook page!

*Sale does not include jewelry or special furniture items.

Do you use a shopping list?  For many people, this is considered the best way to stay organized, save money, and most importantly:  not forget anything! 

For Fishline clients, the luxury of a shopping list is not always possible.  Some clients struggle to make their monthly, weekly, and even daily needs.  We are happy to be available to help with our Daily Market and Eboxes, just two of the food services that we offer. 

When you are making your shopping list this week — we hope you will remember Fishline, and add a few of our most needed items to your list!

Canned fruit is a great option for our clients, all throughout the year.  Collection bins for NK Fishline at Albertsons, Central Market, Red Apple, and Starbucks.  Please consider picking up some cans of canned fruit and dropping it off at these locations.

Canned Chili can provide a round meal option for our clients.  This item can be donated at any food drives or collection bins at Albertson’s, Central Market, Red Apple Grocery Store, or Starbucks in Poulsbo.   

Bottled water can be donated at any of the above locations.  Large multi-bottle packages can also be dropped off directly at the food bank.  We also recycle and collect empty water bottles.  These can also be dropped off at the food bank.  

Diapers (Sizes 3, 4, 5 & 6) There is always a need for baby/toddler sized diapers 3, 4, 5, and 6. These can be dropped off at the food bank, Albertson’s, Red Apple, or Central Market!  

When Ms. Smith moved into her two-bedroom bungalow, she could well afford the $750 monthly rent.

Five years later, she found herself very ill with diabetes, out of work and not eligible for medical insurance with the state. The light at the end of the tunnel was still 18 months away when she would turn 65 and be eligible for a Social Security pension and Medicare. In the meantime, she had unemployment of $165 per week on which to live.

To complicate matters,  she also had two beloved pets she simply could not bear to part with. She knew she could no longer afford the rent and would have to leave her rental, but with no family in the area, where could she afford to live on $660 per month? Where would she find the money to pay for the deposit, the first and last month’s rent, the electricity deposit, the moving van?

With the looming fear of living in her car or a shelter,  Ms. Smith visited Fishline for answers. She was introduced to the Home Share Program, which offered her what seemed to be a small miracle. Her landlord approved a second individual in the home and a roommate was located and screened. The roommate paid half the rent and utilities. Ms. Smith was able to stay in her rental, keep her pets, and the roommate was equally as happy to have found a secure and affordable housing option for herself and her cat.

In these trying financial times, it takes very little to upset the stability we have come to rely upon.  An illness, loss of job or a family crisis can quickly lead to homelessness for the most unlikely of people.  While we cannot solve all the housing issues of our economic times, we have created a “housing bridge” to link home providers and home seekers to a temporary solution for an immediate and urgent problem.

Each and every Home Share situation is unique and should be considered a viable option for anyone seeking affordable housing options. Home owners at risk of foreclosure can access the Home Share Program to place a renter in the home and supplement the house payment.  Individuals and couples with limited incomes can access the Home Share Program to find a room for rent,  making life a bit easier until their income improves or they are able to get into low income housing.

Anyone interested in applying for  the Home Share Program should contact North Kitsap Fishline at 779-5190.

— Rae Rodriguez is client services manager for North Kitsap Fishline.  Contact her at [email protected].

This article was originally printed on Friday, February 22, 2013 in the North Kitsap Herald as part of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors series.

On Feb 1st, friends and volunteers of NK Fishline got together to wish Gavin a happy retirement! The group celebrated at Tisley’s Europub to thank Gavin for his services and wish him well! 

It’s time likes these that we are reminded that the NK Fishline team is very much a community of supportive friends and family.  Gavin announced his retirement in the first week of January.  We will miss him!