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Visits to the food pantry and an apartment fire introduced the Dyer family to The Salvation Army Anacortes (Washington) Corps. Since then, it has become a source of newfound family and continuous support.
In June 2023, a fire from a nearby apartment spread toward the unit Stephanie Dyer shared with her sons. She vividly remembers witnessing her then 8-year-old son, Rain, clutch his 1-year-old brother, River, as the family escaped to safety.
She said she was fearful, too. A newcomer to the community, the mother of two said she was unsure of what steps to take next or who could be there for them.
“I called 911 when we heard explosions,” Dyer said. “With my kids, we rushed down the stairs… It was a terrifying experience.”
The fire was burning across the street from The Salvation Army Anacortes (Washington) Corps.
Within minutes, Corps Officers Lts. Brett and LaShan Harrison and staff rushed across the street to provide support and supplies to those in the complex.
Now some eight months later, The Salvation Army continues to act as a pillar of support for the Dyer family. While the fire didn’t reach the Dyers’ unit, an inspection revealed smoke damage, missing insulation and asbestos inside the walls.
“It’s important to just be there. Just showing up and anticipating their needs before they have to ask for them can show them we care.”
Lt. Brett Harrison, Anacortes Corps Officer
As a single mother making ends meet, Dyer said she lacked the financial means to relocate and replace damaged items. The Anacortes Corps then provided essentials, including towels, blankets, a phone cable and an air purifier.
While Dyer said she was familiar with The Salvation Army, since she often frequented their food pantry, the support following the fire was a welcome surprise.
“It’s important to just be there,” Brett Harrison said. “Just showing up and anticipating their needs before they have to ask for them can show them we care.”
Dyer was just getting situated in the apartment after some challenging circumstances when the fire occurred. She said the newfound support came when she needed it most.
“We were already facing tough times, and for me, as a single mother dealing with low self-esteem, their support was a significant boost,” she said.
After the fire, Dyer made another visit to the food pantry and saw a poster advertising The Salvation Army Camp Arnold in Eatonville, Washington. She thought about her eldest son and how fun it would be for him.
“I hesitated due to the expenses; a summer camp like that wasn’t within our budget,” Dyer said.
Food Pantry Director Paula John informed Dyer about camp scholarships that covered all expenses. Rain had the opportunity to experience camp for the first time.
“He thrived,” Dyer said. “He got to do archery and go swimming and make friends. He also developed a deeper connection with God.”
Brett Harrison recalled seeing a shift in Rain upon leaving camp.
“He was sitting in the back of the van, and my husband asked, ‘What was one awesome thing that happened this week at camp?’ Rain responded, ‘I’m a Christian now.’ And my husband and I just looked at each other with tears in our eyes,” she said.
Dyer said that, upon observing the Harrisons’ care and support for her family, she realized she had found a community to be a part of and a church to call home.
“We’ve felt such a friendship between Brett and LaShan. They talk to us every day, and I can count on them if I need help with almost anything,” she said.
Rain attended the next camp session, and the family started going to the corps for Sunday service, with Rain participating in troops and Sunday school.
“I haven’t been to church since before my kids were born but now we’re excited to go two or three times a week,” said Dyer.
A few months after the fire, a pipe burst in their unit, necessitating a temporary relocation to a hotel, which The Salvation Army provided assistance for.
“I was sick with COVID-19 and then later on, pneumonia,” Dyer said of that time. “Brett and LaShan would check in on us every day and make sure we had food.”
Soon after, they encountered another challenge with slashed tires, but the Harrisons offered to replace them. Dyer said she had never experienced this level of care before.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “They’ve done absolutely everything they can to keep us going.”
Dyer emphasized that she has witnessed the most profound impact on Rain as he has flourished and found a sense of belonging and support.
“He’s read about three different Bibles now, and he talks about how much he loves God,” Dyer said. “It’s had such an impact on his social life at school and I just hear about how he’s such a good role model for his peers.”
Brett Harrison said she feels the Dyer family entered their lives for a reason.
“It’s been one thing after another for them, and God continues to place them in our lives,” she said. “It’s brought an opportunity for connection and a touchpoint for ministry and serves as an example of what doors can open with a visit to a food pantry.”
Looking ahead, Dyer said she aims to reach a point where she can assist others facing similar challenges.
“I never expected anybody to be able to help,” Dyer said. “They have completely changed our life from what it once was, and we’re so grateful.”
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