For the past 9 years, I have dedicated my life to showing up for others and helping people find their voice. I am the sole provider and a single mother of three people who live with me.

As President of the Sacramento Homeless Union, I’ve worked tirelessly as an unpaid community organizer, not just to support the unhoused community, but to empower people to stand up, speak out, and fight for their rights. I’ve helped individuals who felt invisible become advocates for themselves. I’ve sat in education settings, participated in lawsuits, worked through community groups, and engaged in activism to help change the narrative around homelessness. I’ve stood beside thousands of people in some of their hardest moments and worked to build real community, real accountability, and real change.

I never asked for anything in return.

But today, I’m the one in need of help.

On November 11, 2025, I was involved in a horrific car accident that changed everything. My fiancé suffered a fractured neck, and I was also injured. As I tried to begin treatment, I ran into a devastating barrier that has left me stuck in limbo ever since.

Years ago, I survived a ruptured brain aneurysm caused by domestic violence. A stent was placed in my head, and now doctors must verify its exact details before I can safely receive an MRI.

When I attempted to move forward with care after the accident, I discovered that Kaiser had mixed up my medical records with another patient’s. My surgical report is missing or incorrect, and the information needed to identify the stent in my head cannot be found.

Because of this medical error, I have been unable to get the MRI I urgently need. Treatment has been delayed for weeks, leaving me in pain, uncertainty, and fear.

In addition, I lost both of my jobs due to my injuries and disability including my full-time position at a law office and my second job working in a domestic violence and human trafficking safe house.

Then, without warning, my disability payments stopped on February 6.

On March 17 I spent hours on the phone with EDD trying to resolve the issue, only to be told that due to delays in processing my unemployment determination, I must wait until April 4 for the appeal process before my SDI can resume. This has left me without income for February and March.

Because of how the system is processing my case, I have also been denied access to additional assistance such as CalWORKs and food support leaving me with no safety net.

After years of helping others avoid homelessness… I am now facing it myself.

I am at risk of losing my housing and cannot cover my basic monthly expenses:

* Rent: $2,609

* SMUD: $200

* PG&E: $300

* Phone: $98

* Storage: $120

**Total Monthly Need: $3,327**

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do — ask for help.

If I have ever supported you, stood beside you, advocated for you, or helped amplify your voice, I am asking you to stand with me now. And if you believe in community, justice, and supporting those who have dedicated their lives to others — your support matters deeply.

Ways to Support:

If you can donate through GoFundMe, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

You may also contribute directly:

* Venmo: @sacramentohomelessunion

* PayPal: paypal.me/crystalsanchez1

* Cash App: $shomelessunion

* Zelle: [phone redacted]

You can also comment “Crystal” in box

If you are not able to donate, that is completely okay please share this fundraiser. That alone could make all the difference.

This community has always been about showing up, standing together, and fighting back.

Now, I’m asking you to stand with me.