Funds will be used to jump-start their lives. Specifically, clothes, housing, transportation, food, needed medical care, home school materials. Our friend, who saw this family of 9 walking on a busy street carrying all their earthly goods stopped and inquired. We entered this catastrophic situation when she called me and my wife, captivated by their story and their children. Hearing all 9 were in ONE room at Motel 6 we decided to help. But it's more than 3 of us can handle. Local service agencies are overwhelmed with 12,000 structure losses. We appeal to you, please give now to this emergency! The Schneider's thank you from the bottom of their hearts.

I would like to introduce you to this family of nine who have been traumatized twice in the last few months. First in South America in 2024 and then by the January 7, 2025 Eaton Fire in Pasadena, California. They are American citizens who have been living in Ecuador for twelve years. They have seven children between the ages of 13 and 3. They were forced to make a hectic emergency exit with help from the American Embassy in Ecuador. Before, they made a fair living with two small businesses in South America. But their businesses had suffered due to 6 months of power outages which crippled the area. Then a few months ago gangs started overrunning their district leading to increased crime, kidnapping and violence. When a beloved employee was seized from her car and murdered, then the father was shot twice through his shoulder and neck, in shock they desperately sought help from the American embassy. This facilitated a chaotic, hurried exit to America.

The parents left their business, possessions and home behind, unable to fully take care of affairs due to the traumatic circumstances. The fear and sudden changes caused disruption in their family, affecting the children. They rented a house in Pasadena, California, paying 1st, last, and security deposit online. Upon landing in Atlanta, Georgia on a 4:00 AM layover the major east coast snowstorm delayed departure to Los Angeles airport. The ensuing chaos of angry passengers traumatized the smaller children. Upon arriving at LAX and connecting with their landlord they learned their rental home had burned. They were homeless. They didn't know what to do. In their traumatized state, they searched online for safe haven nearby and decided to go to Ventura.

My wife and I are retired mental health professionals who have experienced similar trauma when we lost our home of 25 years in the 2018 Paradise Camp Fire, which led us to Ventura. Our background has enhanced our bond with this family. They are sweet, thoughtful and a tight loving unit. We were grateful for those who helped us during our emergency and now we want to contribute what we can and hope others will also. The gifts you contribute will be a starting point to help them get the essentials to start over again. Thank you again for your generosity.