UPDATE: Chamieka has been hospitalized twice in the last two weeks with crippling abdominal pain. Doctors finally have an answer for what is going on – but Chamieka is out of action for a while moving forward and she and her family are in great need of financial support from the wider community. Please donate what you can!

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Chamieka House-Osuya founded The Snack Sack LLC in 2020 to provide direct mutual aid to Black and brown families who lost access to important community resources during the pandemic lockdown. Over the past six years, she has ensured that thousands of children and families had access to food, clothing, shelter, and joy when they needed them most. As a longtime supporter I have witnessed firsthand the tireless dedication Chamieka brings to her work and the profound impact she has in our communities. You can read more at The Snack Sack.

While undertaking extraordinary efforts to provide for others, Chamieka has taken almost nothing for herself or her family, which includes three adopted foster children. Her mother-in-law, who requires significant medical care, joined their household this summer. Chamieka has put the needs of others before her own, but the financial strain on her family has become unsustainable. She continues to be recognized and honored as a social justice professional, and is invited to participate in conferences nationally and around the world. Chamieka is making a difference every day, and she wants to keep doing that vital work.

The Snack Sack is currently reorganizing as an independent nonprofit. As incoming board president, my goal is to secure grants and endowments this year that provide Chamieka with a sustainable salary, but she and her family need support now. Your contribution will help cover living expenses, medical care, and provide the stability she needs to continue leading The Snack Sack into the future. So many of us are able to offer financial support to those in need—too often, though, we forget the people doing the heavy labor of organizing that support. Chamieka is one of those people—a dedicated social justice angel and warrior. We need to remember her, and to help her help others.