Rachel is a brilliant young woman whose talents span poetry, art, anthropology, and philosophy. She is also a prospector and has practical skills, such as foraging for edible mushrooms, growing organic vegetables, and caring for orchard trees. Despite her many gifts, Rachel has faced significant challenges recently. Due to knee issues and circumstances beyond her control, she became unhoused for six weeks.

I met her recently on the beach in Carpinteria, California where she had been sleeping for two weeks. She fell in love with Carpinteria and ended up writing an awesome poem about it for the Earth Day poetry competition, which I will post below. Ultimately, she hopes to settle in Carpinteria and start a mushroom cultivation laboratory and business venture. Throughout this difficult time, Rachel has shown remarkable resilience and creativity.

I want to help Rachel get back on her feet, but since my own house burned down in the Eaton Canyon Fire, I am only barely housed myself. I have brought her up to my family's place for the time being on Bainbridge Island, Washington, but this can only be a temporary situation. Since coming to Washington she has made many friends including among Suquamish Tribe members who have been incredibly supportive.

I would love to house her for six months, get her back into school to finish her two degrees, get her a car so she can work while in school, and help her with some basic things she will need, like a computer and a phone. We would be very grateful if you would consider contributing to our fund to help her thrive and achieve her full potential. Your donations will give Rachel the stability she needs to thrive and share her talents with the community.

---

**Rachel's Poem: Carpinteria**

My concerns these days are little

Few and far between

Because I escaped a nightmare

And woke up in a dream

Followed shells and feathers

So why I ended here

When I started out in Phoenix

To recover some lost years?

The people here will ask me

And it's easy, Look around

If you've been other places,

Then you'd love this ground.

And when you're from an island

Far away and can't go home,

Carpinteria is waiting

And the ocean does atone.

Thanks a ton, Shanna and Rachel