Alyce Smith Cooper, a beloved San Diego storyteller and mentor, has spent her life uplifting others. In addition to her Poet Laureate status with the Naval Museum and her Legacy Fellow Award from the California Arts Council, the California State Assembly is recognizing Alyce, this March as "Woman of the Year" for the 79th District. And even with this level of recognition, she is facing a crisis no senior should have to endure. After more than ten years in her apartment, an unattended leaky roof led to severe mold growth, dramatically worsening her asthma and sending her to the emergency room. Despite paying her rent faithfully, Alyce’s home became uninhabitable, forcing her to move out and seek shelter with friends while her entire life—family memories, rare art, and signed books—was packed into storage.

Alyce has spent much of her retirement savings to protect her belongings, secure storage, and prepay for a safe place for her treasures. She is seeking legal counsel to address elder abuse and break her lease, but finding the right representation is difficult and costly. Mold evaluation by specialists, ongoing legal fees, relocation costs, and living expenses continue to add up. Despite support from local officials and friends, Alyce has been without a safe, stable home for nearly three months, moving from one friend’s house to another.

Alyce has always been there for her community—now she needs our help. Your support will help her recover what she’s spent, secure safe housing, and regain her peace of mind. Please consider donating to help Alyce through this challenging time and to shine a light on the urgent need for a better safety net for seniors in our community. Every contribution makes a difference. Thank you for your kindness and support.