Pais & Jeh's Journey to Document & Heal America

Healing America | Healing Ourselves

Jehan Cicely and Paisley Mares are two souls setting out to serve. They met last year in the initial days of COVID-19 uncertainty while volunteering to provide information and aid to those at risk of being evicted during the pandemic. 

Through continuing to assist local organizations along with independently raising funds to offer outreach to the many unhoused tenants of Los Angeles, their friendship was forged along with their resolve to help in whatever way they can. 

As Jehan will be traveling cross-country to pay final respects to her late stepmother, the opportunity to make this trip one that spreads love and leaves a positive impact was impossible for them to overlook. They've seen firsthand that no act of kindness is too small to make a difference and want to amplify their ability to give back to communities across the US. 

So they're renting an RV, going across the country, and making a documentary about the experience. Not simply to uplift their voices as storytellers of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, but moreover to showcase all of the beautiful humanity that can seem in short supply these days. 

Mainstream news outlets and Hollywood films often highlight and focus on the country's division, on the seemingly endless suffering, without offering much in the way of solutions. This endeavor seeks to do the opposite: to share untold stories of local heroes, small businesses trying to thrive, community organizers doing all they can to make a difference. 

The process will undoubtedly also be one of self-discovery and further healing of their own traumas and pain. Though this is not in selfish pursuit, for it is in healing ourselves that we magnify our ability to heal each other. 

There are many organizations and individuals in need of financial aid, especially in the current economic climate, so anything you are willing to share is greatly appreciated. Funds will be going directly into aiding the logistics of this trip and the filmmaking process along with purchasing supplies (PPE, tents, food, etc.) to distribute to anyone who may need it along the way. 

They embark in late-May 2021 for the month-long journey and a full breakdown of current costs can be found below. Updates will be made frequently to provide full transparency as to what your dollars are going towards. If you are able to directly contribute supplies or know any businesses that would be interested in partnering, please reach out. 

Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting this dream.

Roadtrip costs - $14,708.00

RV (30 Days)
$7,158.00
Public Transportation 
$500.00
Food: $50/day(2x) = $100 x 30 +
$3,000.00
Propane & Fuel: 9000 miles/$3.75 x 25 mpg
$2,400.00
KOAs $150 x 10 nites
$1,500

Outreach supplies - $5,397.10

Hygiene kits: 50 x $5.60
$280.00
Tents: 50 x 2-person ($53.34 per)
$2,667.00
Sleeping bags: 20 x $51.78
$1,035.60 
Food/Packed lunches
$500
Portable first aid kits: 150 x $1.61
$241.50
Fire extinguishers: Case of 12
$239.00
Blankets: 100 x $4.34
$434.00