Help Save the Home that Saved Us

Hi, my name is Tay. I’m the oldest of three siblings, and I’m writing on behalf of my Gramma, who raised me and is still raising my younger brother and sister. They are living with her in the only home they’ve ever felt safe in.

That home is now at risk.

Let me explain

When I was a newborn, our family lost the roof over our heads while Gramma was in the hospital battling cancer. We didn’t know where we’d go next.

That’s when one of Gramma’s closest friends of 50 years, who we affectionately call “Aunt Rebecca”, heard what we were going through and pulled together every resource she had. Determined to pull us out of our crisis, she used all of her savings, borrowed from her parents, took out loans, and bought a place for us to live.

Aunt Rebecca cared enough to act when we were drowning because that’s who she is and helping people is what she does. In fact, in the autumn of 2001, the same fall when we ended up homeless, Aunt Rebecca was honored with the Elise Boulding Peacemaker of the Year Award for her dedication to making a difference in her community, meeting people where they stand, with empathy and respect.

It’s hard to put into words what our home means to us. It’s more than four walls; it was an act of kindness that taught us how deep friendship goes beyond the meaning of family. It’s the home where my Gramma still lives and guides us, with strength and grace, through more than most people could handle.

Why I Am Asking Now

To my Gramma, this moment feels heartbreakingly familiar—our home is at risk again.

In 2021, Aunt Rebecca received a request from a trusted friend and colleague of 40 years to partner with her to build her dream and buy the successful retail business where she was working. Of course, Aunt Rebecca stepped up and by 2023, her friend’s vision was a reality. To launch the venture, Aunt Rebecca committed to an SBA loan, which automatically placed a lien on our home.

These are two smart, experienced businesswomen who had collaborated on numerous projects over the decades. They knew what they were doing—and the numbers prove it: in their second year, 2024, their business grew over 10%, considerably faster than the U.S. economy. Then, in March of this year, the economy started to wobble. Sales dropped slowly at first and then sharply. By this June, down to just 25% of previous levels. Even though they were still doing all the things that had grown the business, suddenly it wasn’t enough.

This is not a failed business. It’s a well-established and strong business weathering a tough season. They're doing everything they can to adapt. They’ve brought in a business coach and are making the changes needed to survive this shift. They are streamlining, restructuring, and reaching out to and realigning with their dedicated customers.

In the meantime, Aunt Rebecca has used her savings to keep things afloat. She is working on finding lower interest loans to replace the one she has. (Any ideas are welcome!) Her elderly mom even took out a HELOC on her own condo to help. But time is running out. With your help, we can save the home that saved us.

Why This Matters

This campaign is not about saving a business. It’s about protecting the person who has always stepped up for others. She doesn’t deserve to be crushed.

Here’s something that’s often misunderstood: if the SBA loan isn’t paid, it’s not the business that suffers, it’s the person who signed the loan documents.

The SBA will recoup its money by seizing and liquidating Aunt Rebecca’s assets, specifically, our home, which is the collateral. The business will walk away free of that debt; however, since Aunt Rebecca personally guaranteed the loan, she and our family’s home bear the consequences.

What Your Help Would Accomplish

We’re asking for $98,000. I understand that’s a huge number, but along with everything Aunt Rebecca is already working on, it would bridge the gap and protect the home that has protected us while we work to gather the entire $326,000 that would completely remove the lien. (Oh my! If we could get to that number here!)

My Gramma lived in 28 homes by the time she was 18. She has lived in this home for over 23 years. We want to keep Gramma protected as her health is still compromised. My brother, who is autistic, and my sister want to finish high school in this stable environment. Stand with us to give some peace of mind to Aunt Rebecca who has given so much to so many and is haunted by these circumstances.

We are grateful for anything you can do but, please, give only what you won’t miss. With your help, we could reach this goal but I do not want our difficulty to cause anyone else harm.

If you believe in protecting people who protect others…

If you believe in second chances…

If you believe in community…

Please consider donating what you can.

Every donation, every share, every kind word matters.

And if giving isn’t possible, please consider supporting any small business. Turn to them for the things you need. It truly makes a difference.

Thank you for reading and for knowing that we can get through hard times with each other’s support. It means a lot to me that you are listening and holding us in your thoughts.

With love and hope,

Tay Crane

On behalf of my Gramma, my siblings, and Aunt Rebecca Hawley—the woman who stepped in when we needed someone to care.