I've created this GoFundMe to support Godofredo Vasquez, who lost his job at the Associated Press this past weekend amid a company-wide restructuring. Godo is an extraordinarily talented and hardworking photojournalist, as anyone who has ever worked with him would readily attest. He is also a kind and thoughtful person whose empathy shines throughout his work.

The job loss has only added to the major stress Godo has had to deal with over the past year and change as an immigrant living in the U.S. on temporary protected status as the federal government has pushed to end such programs.

Now, Godo has to deal with acquiring his own gear while also searching for a new staff position or carving out a freelance career to support himself.

If you're an alum of the Chronicle, the AP, or just one of the legion of individuals who have had your life brightened by interacting with Godo, please join me in supporting him through this challenging chapter.

Our colleague, Emily Foxhall, summed it up best:

"Godo’s work ethic constantly impresses me. So does his ability to connect with people. He photographed sick patients during the COVID 19 pandemic. He’s shot more baseball games than I can count. He used to work the 4:30am shift covering awful things that happened overnight in Houston. His heart is giant. His work is beautiful. The journalism community is better with him a part of it."

-St. John Barned-Smith

SF Chronicle/Houston Chronicle