My name is Danica Kubota, and I am a rising high school sophomore. As a young adult, I realize that we are living in a very challenging and remarkable time. During this COVID-19 pandemic, I began to reflect upon how I can contribute back to the community. I wanted to help those who are less fortunate and address topics that are often overlooked. 

After much research, I chose to support the Asian Women’s Shelter (AWS) in San Francisco. This organization resonated with me on many levels, and I wanted to shine light upon groups and subjects often overlooked by society and the media, one being Asian women who are victims of domestic violence. During the pandemic, there have been xenophobic hate crimes against the Asian community, such as harassment and assault. In addition, more women are calling domestic violence support hotlines, and domestic violence has increased because of shelter in place. Women feel helpless and isolated without adequate resources to help them. AWS houses Asian women who are victims of domestic violence and offers them a safe place to live. As a   result, supporting AWS, the organization that cares for the women’s well-being, is crucial to protecting the women and maintaining a safe space for them. 


With the help of my family and friends, I have already been able to donate nearly 400 masks in in-kind donations to the AWS that the women and their children there can use. A majority of these masks are reusable and machine washable. Since it is more difficult to social distance in the shelters, these masks will help everyone there stay safe and healthy. All monetary donations from this GoFundMe page will go towards supplies that the shelter can use, such as cleaning supplies, sanitary items and toiletries, clothing, and other household items. Since there is limited storage at the shelter, the money can be used whenever necessary to purchase needed items. 


To learn more about the AWS, visit their website: https://www.sfaws.org/


Sources Consulted:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/us/domestic-violence-coronavirus.html

https://www.sfaws.org