Please Help Laureen Stay Local!

Aloha friends and family...

As many of you know, our lovely Laureen needs new housing and has been diligently looking since March. Those of you who know her well know that she has suffered many physical and emotional challenges these past several years. She thought that she had finally found a safe and lasting place to be.

Unfortunately, depsite extensive searching, she has been unable to find anything within her price range. She was supposed to move by the end of May, but thanks to the help of some angels who made up the difference in the rent increase, she can stay in her place until the end of August. She has applied for assistance via Section 8, Community Bridges, the Housing Authority, Dignity Health, and social services. As expected, these agencies have been hard hit during the pandemic, and are only now starting to accept new clients. She has no family to move in with, and moving out of the area would be incredibly difficult.

Sadly, time is running out. The burden of trying to find a new place, coupled with Laureen's numerous health and personal challenges, have caused a great deal of stress in her life, and is taking a toll on her physical health. She is now asking for help. First off, if you know of a place that is available for less than $900 a month, please leave a comment. She is open to pretty much any situation, but please keep in mind she has a cat.

In the meantime, if we can help Laureen cover the difference in rent (which is $700 a month) for as many months as possible, that will hopefully allow enough time for one of the county agencies to find her a place. Laureen is a bright light who has been a vibrant, vital, beautiful part of our community since well, forever, as she was born and raised here.

She has made many contributrions to the surfing, swimming, artistic and creative communities here, and dearly treasures the many lifelong ohana, friends, and connections she has made. Please consider making a contribution so we can ease Laureen's stress, and buy her enough time to find a new place to call home. Thank you ... mahalo.