This campaign is for my son, Handsome, who is 8 years old. He was living with his mother and her husband in Jamaica Queens when they experienced a devastating house fire a few months ago. After the fire, the family was separated and lost everything. Handsome and his brother Benjamin ended up in foster care and group homes, separated from their other siblings. Eventually, Handsome was placed with his mother's husband in Brooklyn, living in a shelter.

Just about a month and a half ago, Handsome's mother was shot three times in her back in Jamaica Queens. She is now in and out of the hospital with a bullet lodged in her back, living in another shelter away from her children and husband. During this time, Handsome has been experiencing significant trauma, which shows up as talking while sleeping, nightmares, bedwetting, and social discomfort. My goal is to get him the best therapy possible and a vehicle so he is not out in the cold, and to help him regain anything that was lost in the fire.

As a former civil and human rights activist, and an outreach worker for the homeless population in Suffolk County, I have spent the last 10 years fighting for housing and stability for others. I have volunteered with Angels of Long Island and worked for Hands Across Long Island in Central Islip from 2014 to 2016. I understand wholeheartedly the importance of housing and stability, not just for my son, but for every family. I believe that as someone who has been leading in the fight against homelessness, the community will also be present for my son, Handsome, in his time of need.

I know firsthand how long and difficult the journey to recovery from trauma can be, as I was in foster care myself from a very young age. I want to help Handsome rebuild, recover, and heal from the traumatic fire and separation from his mother and siblings. Your support will make a real difference in his life and help him find hope and stability again.