Paula's Story

Paula and her husband had good jobs as masseuses until the economy took a turn and companies and individuals had less to spend.

At the time, when they were living in Phoenix, Arizona, Paula’s husband, who is now 62, had a business that provided on-site massages to employees working at businesses that contracted his services. When times were better, companies were eager to treat their employees, and he had a full list of clients. Paula, who is 58 years old, did chair massages for a health food store.

But the economy changed in 2007 and soon the couple couldn’t make their mortgage payment. They lost their house. With the help of their families, they pursued a dream of moving to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho about a year ago.

The couple have not found masseuse jobs and are living in an RV park. Her husband makes about $700 a month doing administrative work and they are trying to start a small business. In the meantime, getting by is tough.

“We are on food stamps. It we weren’t on that, I don’t know what we would do right now,” Paula said.

Paula was able to get some healthy fresh apples, onions, lettuce, whole grain crackers, bread and other food at a recent Mobile Food Bank distribution in Post Falls. The event provided a broad array of services for people in need.

Grateful for the help, Paula said that although the economy has dramatically altered the couple’s lifestyle, they choose to focus on what they have instead of what they don’t.

“We feel like we are on the rebound here and that things will get better and improve.”

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