Help Sonia Rebuild After Devastating Fire

Our long-time friend, neighbor, and housekeeper Sonia Dopico has lived in Mount Pleasant since 1967. For decades she built her community and her home from her small apartment on Newton Street. That is, until January 25th 2025, when a fire broke out in her building.

Thankfully, Sonia was visiting family in El Salvador when the fire occurred, but when she returned home she found herself homeless at age 74. And due to extensive smoke and water damage, she lost all of her personal possessions.

Our fundraising goal is $5,000 so that Sonia can pay for a security deposit and replace all the household items and clothing she lost. No donation is too small. Even $5 or $10 dollars gets Sonia a little bit closer affording the safety and security she needs to rebuild her life.

Sonia is also looking for opportunities to support herself, so another way you can make a huge difference in her life is by recommending her for regular pet sitting gigs. She is an experienced pet sitter, and loves cats and dogs. Please use the contact button on this page to reach out to us so we can pass along the information to Sonia!

Sonia has a generous heart and is always helping others. She regularly volunteers at her church, the Shrine of the Sacred Heart. She’s also a wonderful cook and loves animals. You may have seen Sonia working from time to time at El West or taking care of your neighbor’s pets when they are out of town. Your donation will help make sure that Sonia can find an apartment, hopefully in her beloved Mt. Pleasant community.

Sincerely, Claudia Schlosberg, Wayne Kahn, and Rebekah Barlas