Help Brenda Get Back Home To LA!!

Hi, I’m Brenda Barrios. I'm a full-time creative experiencing financial hardship while trying to return home after graduate school.

2025 has been a challenging year. In January, while preparing to complete my final semester at Yale, unexpected wildfires devastated my hometown of Los Angeles. I contemplated not returning to school because I was extremely worried about the safety and well-being of my family and friends. It felt like I was betraying them. Additionally, I dealt with ongoing health issues from my disability and the stress from developing my MFA thesis.

As a first-generation Mexican American from a low-income household, I have fought hard for every step of this journey. Throughout school, I worked three jobs and took out multiple loans to support myself. I poured my time and love into building community as a student because I understand the importance of showing up—even when it feels like no one is reciprocating. The system wasn’t designed for people like me, and while I’m incredibly proud of what I have accomplished, I’m also exhausted.

I’m reaching out to the community for support as I anticipate returning to LA. My lease is ending soon, and I cannot navigate this transition on my own. I am organizing a GoFundMe campaign to help secure a flight home and a moving container for my belongings. The funds will also assist with necessities such as last month's rent, food, and other moving expenses.

If you’re in a position to contribute, even a small amount would mean the world to me. Every dollar brings me closer to safety, rest, and stability. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this with others; it would be more helpful than you know.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for believing in the value that people like me bring to the world.

With love and gratitude,

Brenda Barrios