Hello friends,

As many of you know, our communities, loved ones, and neighbors are going through incredibly difficult times. I want to share the story of someone very dear to me — a friend, a member of our DC community, a hardworking young woman who is a sister, an aunt, a daughter and a friend.

She came to the U.S. alone fleeing violence in Guatemala and has been building a life here in DC with her sister, her two nephews, and her brother-in-law. We met years ago in my old apartment building.

Recently, her brother-in-law was kidnapped by masked men and later deported. Her two nephews have now been without their father for two months. They cry every night and write letters asking why he left them. My friend’s sister is devastated — separated from her partner, trying to stay strong for her children, and facing impossible choices. DC is home for her family, but the pain of separation is pushing her to consider returning to Guatemala, even if it means uncertainty and danger.

If that happens, my friend will have nowhere to go here in DC. She is young, and her entire support system is her sister, niece, and nephew. She is carrying enormous stress, anxiety, and grief and is struggling to find grounding or community.

I have no shame in asking for help. Anything you can contribute to support my friend and her family — financially or otherwise — would mean so much. The kids also need clothing (4 y/o & 14 y/o), so please reach out if you’re able to donate items. And if giving money isn’t possible, your prayers, positive thoughts, and solidarity are deeply appreciated.

Thank you for reading and for any support you can offer.