Community Fundraiser to help the Martinez Family.

Vanessa Martinez, her husband, and their two bright, adorable school-age children packed up everything they had and took the perilous journey from Venezuela to the United States. This family crossed the perilous Darien Gap together and survived the terrifying ordeal of being kidnapped in Mexico in order to make it to Colorado. They arrived here a few weeks ago and have applied for work permits. Vanessa has obtained part-time work, but it is only enough for food for the family.

The Martinez family needs enough funds to pay for a deposit and first month’s rent. They can no longer stay with the friend who has been sheltering them. They have found an affordable apartment but need help with the funds to secure it. That is the purpose of this fundraiser. The agencies that usually help newcomers with shelter and food are at capacity.

Last week, ICE conducted many raids in Denver and Aurora, and targeted some of the places newcomers usually go for assistance. In this situation, private help from the community is safer and more direct for the families trying to survive the new political regime in the U.S. I have always believed that to help one person, to help one family, is the first step to helping the world. If you are feeling hopeless and believe there’s nothing you can do, there is. Even a few dollars will help the Martinez family get started. I still believe in the American Dream. My family also had next-to-nothing when we arrived on these shores. Please help me to help this family get past the barriers to their American Dream. Give what you can. No donation is too small to help.