As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers the stories of those applying for help.



This is the story of a couple — "Sam" and "Brett" — who never expected to be parents, but were blessed with an unexpected arrival that set them on an uncertain path while living in an RV and navigating North Idaho's housing crisis.

"I was told I would never have children," Sam said. "At six months we found out we were pregnant. Our world flipped upside down."

Sam and Brett were working full time when they married in 2014. They soon moved into their RV to save money for a house after a bad rental situation.

The house fell through and the market went crazy, but they were still OK. Now, with a baby in the picture, things are tough.

"We chose to keep me home to try to save money because of the cost of child care," Sam said.

Being down to one income and without a need for two vehicles, they sold Sam's car to cover expenses, but they continue to struggle.

"Our biggest challenge is making ends meet for groceries and propane," Sam said. "Propane is our main source of heat with our RV. With winter here, we are stressed."

Sam and Brett have paid off what debts they could and have maintained their RV to the best of their ability. They're OK raising a healthy baby in their RV home, they just need a little help.

By connecting with Press Christmas for All, Charity Reimagined and Panhandle Health District, this little family was awarded propane gift cards and food gift cards to assist them with their humble needs to keep their family warm and fed this winter.