Hi, my name is Angela Boatwright. I’m a former professional photographer who spent 25+ years working all over the world.

During that time, I met Azul, who worked as a customer service representative at one of Los Angeles’s most popular photo labs for over a decade. If you’ve ever dropped off film or picked up prints in LA, you’ve probably met someone like Azul, the people behind the scenes who make our work possible.

I spent countless hours at the lab where Azul worked and got to know her very well. Over time, Azul, her daughter, and I became friends. Even after I stopped taking photos professionally, we stayed in touch.

Unfortunately, Azul is in a very difficult place right now. After living in her car with her daughter and their three cats for over 11 months, she’s once again in danger of becoming unhoused.

A Southern California housing non-profit helped Azul find an apartment about four months ago. This allowed her daughter (and the cats) to finally move out of their car. But Azul continued sleeping in her car because her job was far from the new apartment and with gas prices being what they are, commuting affordably was impossible.

Now, due to a delay in the non-profit’s promised funding, Azul owes over $4,300 in back rent. If she can’t pay soon, she and her daughter will be evicted and forced to live in their car again.

Azul and her daughter are exhausted, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Having to live in their car a second time could break their spirits. Azul's daughter is preparing to start college, and Azul, who continues to volunteer in animal rescue, dreams of one day working with animals professionally. They are so close to achieving these dreams, but they need a safe, stable home to do so. Losing their housing now would set them back immeasurably.

Azul is currently working as a parking lot attendant and doing her best, but her paycheck barely covers her basic expenses, let alone the past-due rent.

This fundraiser will go directly toward paying $4,300 in back rent so Azul and her daughter can stay housed and stable.

Photographers: please share this with your networks. Let’s show the world that our community truly cares. It’s not just about landing the big advertising clients and the celebrities we get to document; it’s about the people who process our film, scan our negatives, and sell us our gear, too.

Please donate if you can. No amount is too small. Every dollar helps Azul and her daughter keep their home and continue rebuilding their lives.

Thank you so much for reading, donating, and sharing. ❤️