My name is Jamie Pastorello. Many of you may recognize Rhea Holmes and I from a photo taken in Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse, New York, on the cold morning of December 13th, 2025.

That morning, I saw Rhea walking through a park with a box of food balanced on her head. I offered her a ride. I didn't know at the time but Rhea was on her way to a cemetery. A place she would often go to visit her husband and father who she recently lost, she said. Rhea didn't say at the time but she was experiencing homelessness. At night, she was resting her head in that cemetery.

Rhea’s life changed after profound loss and grief reshaped everything she knew. That grief ultimately cost her everything.

Despite all she has endured, Rhea carries an incredible amount of empathy, compassion, and love. She is kind, and deeply human. In just a brief encounter, she reminded me of the strength that exists in people who are often unseen.

Rhea impacted my life in a way I will never forget, and now I want to honor that by helping her rebuild hers. She deserves safety, stability, and a place she can truly call home.

Rhea deserves a second chance, not just at housing, but at comfort, dignity, and hope.

If you’re able, please consider donating to help Rhea secure safe housing and begin rebuilding her life. Any amount makes a meaningful difference.

If you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this page is just as powerful. Thank you for seeing Rhea, believing in her, and helping offer her a path forward.

I will share updates here as Rhea reaches important milestones, including housing and next steps toward stability.

I express my deepest gratitude to all who help achieve this goal.

Thank you !

Go Fund Me Compliance.

Rhea and I were strangers at the time however, now good friends. Rhea remains in the process of obtaining proper identification to open a bank account. When Rhea does so, all funds will be transferred into her account, with future donations. Rhea will spend the money on necessities and daily living expenses as she wishes to live a comfortable life.