My name is Shawna, and I’m starting this fundraiser on behalf of my sister-in-law, Kim, and her daughter, my 28-year-old niece.

For the past few years, our family has been in crisis. My niece is living unhoused on the streets of San Diego and is struggling with severe addiction to fentanyl and methamphetamine. Despite multiple stints in rehab here in Northern California, she continues to relapse and return to San Diego, where the pull of addiction and street life is strong.

Recently, my sister-in-law received the terrifying news no parent ever wants to hear: her daughter had disappeared again. Desperate and heartbroken, she and her father drove to San Diego to search for her in person. After days of looking, they found her—but the situation is far worse than we feared. She is emaciated, physically deteriorating, and very close to death.

As a mother, Kim cannot walk away. Her daughter needs her. But she is currently unemployed and has no stable place to live in San Diego. She had previously relocated to Northern California with the hope that her daughter would stay in recovery and live with her—but that plan has not worked out.

Now, Kim needs to move back to San Diego to be near her daughter, to stay connected, and to be present for whatever comes next—whether it’s another chance at treatment, a moment of clarity, or simply the opportunity to not let her daughter die alone.

We are raising funds to help Kim get back on her feet in San Diego:

• Temporary housing

• Food and basic living expenses

• Transportation costs

• Job search support as she gets settled

Every dollar will go directly toward helping this mother stay close to her daughter during an unimaginably painful and uncertain time.

If you’ve ever loved someone with addiction, you know how complicated and heartbreaking it can be. Please consider donating, sharing, or simply holding this family in your heart.

Thank you for your compassion.