From a Camper to a New Start: One Middleton Family’s Fight to Stay on Their Feet
Published on The Good Network
A Long Road Without a Home
In February 2019, a family of six — Brandan, his wife Marisa, and their four boys (now 11, 10, 9, and 6) — lost their home.
For a while, they scraped together enough to stay in hotels. But by April, they were living in a rundown camper, constantly on the move every 7 to 10 days, sometimes camping in the mountains just to have somewhere safe to sleep.
That wasn’t a temporary fix. It lasted over four years.
Injury, Recovery, and Relentless Effort
In 2020, things got even harder. Brandan suffered a severe back injury and needed spinal fusion surgery. He couldn’t work. His wife, in the middle of raising four kids and living without a stable address, somehow graduated college and started working as soon as COVID bans lifted.
The camper remained their home until August 2023, when they were finally able to move into an apartment. A year later, they moved again — this time to Middleton, hoping for stability. And they’ve been fighting for it ever since.
Building Something New
By November 2023, Brandan’s wife had taken a huge step — she started setting up her own massage therapy business. By January 2024, she was fully operational. Brandan, once recovered, began working with wildland fire crews. In the off-season, he takes on any job he can find — welding, construction, handyman gigs.
They’re not asking for handouts. They’re working constantly. But it’s not quite enough.
The Pressure They're Under Now
The biggest threat to their progress? Rent.
Like so many families in tight spots, they’ve reached out to every agency they could. Some require an eviction notice before helping, which could put their future at risk. They’re trying to avoid falling off the edge they've worked so hard to climb up.
They’re also juggling gas costs and trying to bring their bank account out of the red. Every dollar right now is stretched to its limit.
The school has been a lifeline — offering food support through a backpack program and boxes to help them get through the summer. But resources only go so far.
How You Can Make a Difference
When asked what would help most, her answer was simple:
“Sharing my business is a huge help. Or if someone knows of people needing help with anything — that kind of support lets us pick up extra work and stay stable.”
Here’s how you can support them right now:
Book or share her massage services — local business is their lifeline. Massage by Marisa 208-488-9084
Hire or refer Brandan for welding, handyman work, or short-term gigs.
Reach out with leads, work, or even just encouragement — every bit helps.
This Isn’t a Story About Defeat
It’s a story about grit, endurance, and a family doing whatever it takes to move forward.
They survived four years in a camper. They worked through a spinal injury, COVID, and constant uncertainty. Now, with some stability in reach, they just need the community to show up and hold the door open a little longer.
Want to help?
Reach out directly or share this story. Sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply passing the word along.
