Help Nancy return home and rebuild her life

Hi everyone,

My name is Tracey, and I’m reaching out today on behalf of my dear friend Nancy. If you know Nancy, you know she has always been the first to lend a hand, share what little she has, and offer comfort — without expecting anything in return.

Nancy is 68 years old, from the Dominican Republic, and she has been like family to me for nearly 35 years.

Just before the pandemic, Nancy finally found the courage — and the means — to leave a very unhealthy situation. She applied for a US visa and when it was granted, she left to visit her elderly aunt in NYC, thinking that the break would help her gather her thoughts and figure out the next steps in her life. It was her first real step toward breaking away and creating a new chapter for herself. But then Covid changed everything.

She became stuck in the U.S., fell ill with the virus, and, without resources for legal help, her immigration status became complicated. After recently attempting to leave the US and go back to the Dominican she was denied boarding because her passport had expired while she’s been away. She was told to go to the consulate to obtain a provisional passport (“carta de ruta”) in order to return but she has no resources left, no legal status, and is terrified to navigate this alone in New York City when undocumented folks are being kidnapped in broad daylight.

I’m asking for your help to give Nancy a chance — something she has given so many people all her life. The funds will cover:

* The cost of her provisional passport

* Transportation to and from the airport once her documents are in order

* A modest place to live and basic living expenses for a few months, so she can get back on her feet

Nancy is not afraid of hard work — she just needs a little support to finally live free from fear and find stability

If you’re able to give, please know that every bit helps. And if you can’t donate, please circulate this privately amongst those who might be able to help, but out of concern for Nancy’s privacy we ask that you PLEASE REFRAIN FROM POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me help Nancy — she deserves to feel safe and to have a place to call home again.

With gratitude,

Tracey