My name is damon, and I’m raising funds for myself and my neighbors in the Memys community at Idaho Apartments in El Cerrito, CA. After years of homelessness and living with PTSD, I finally found a place to call home, but the challenges didn’t end there. Since moving in, my car was first vandalized and then stolen, leaving me without transportation. More importantly, I’ve witnessed and experienced mistreatment, neglect, and abuse—not just toward me, but toward many vulnerable tenants here.

Our community is made up of people with unique stories and delicate needs. Kendal, for example, finds joy in baseball and follows his favorite teams every day, but his living conditions are dire. Donald, nearly 90, struggles with blindness and is often yelled at and neglected, even by his own family. Casey, a wonderful mom, has been isolated from her children for years, and her care team does little to support her emotional well-being. I’ve been assaulted at knife point, and the fear and isolation are constant. Even my own family is unable to help, and my mom, who has ALS, is losing her faculties. Despite all this, I fight for wellness for everyone here, because I believe no one should be conditionally loved or neglected.

Donations will help us in every way possible—providing safety, basic supplies, opportunities for joy, and support for those who are being mistreated. Your help will also support my family and efforts to unite our community and advocate for our needs. Please and thank you! We are considered least important, but we deserve the same consideration as anyone else. Your support will help us manage well and bring hope to our community. Love your neighbor—damon, Kendal, Casey, and Donald.