Fundraiser for Roberta Cordero
Donation protected
Displaced in her own homeland, Roberta Cordero, a dear Chumash Elder, needs our help.
Last July she was given notice by her landlord to leave her home of 17 years because the landlord’s own family needed the house. She was heartbroken because she loved her little home, which was surrounded by the Native plant medicine garden she had planted and nurtured herself. Many from our Chumash and local community have started their own Native plant gardens from Roberta’s plants. Many more have gathered at Roberta's home for parties, for prayer and counsel, for hanging out to work on regalia, and for coffee. It was “Grandma’s House” for her many grandchildren visiting from Washington State.
Economically, the timing was terrible: grants that funded Roberta’s professional work as a conflict management trainer had dried up under the new administration and so she was just beginning to take her work in a new direction. Those of us from the Santa Barbara area know the great difficulty of trying to find housing in our area, especially affordable housing! Because of this, Roberta had to basically drop everything to look for a place and to pack. Even though she looked diligently for months and applied for several places, things did not come together before her funds ran out. It was impossible to look for a place while attempting to get adequate work. She has stopped the house search to bring in more work, but that won’t be available for 3-4 months.
Currently, Roberta is completely displaced and has been moving from friend to friend; she would be on the verge of homelessness if not for the option to move back to Washington where her children and grandchildren still live. Even though she is past “retirement age,” Roberta will tell you that her work in our homeland is not done. Since she first moved back to Santa Barbara 20 years ago, Roberta has worked endlessly for the local Chumash community and other tribes across our nations with a special focus on providing skills which strengthen indigenous self-determination. Early on, she was a principal in bringing back the tomol (traditional Chumash canoe) as part of the revitalization of Chumash maritime culture. She continues to provide leadership to our Chumash community, old and young, in making sure we have a seat at the table when governmental or other actions might affect our homelands and resources, especially in our coastal areas. It's likely that Roberta has assisted someone you know here locally in our Santa Barbara Community.
Following the tragic displacements caused by the recent fires and mudslides in our community, we recognize how difficult a time it is for so many in our community. One consequence is that competition for affordable rental housing has increased dramatically, affecting everyone who must rent.
Roberta really needs our help at this time, so whatever you might be able to give will be deeply appreciated. The funds will go directly to Roberta so she can continue to live and work in our Chumash homeland.
Thank you and bless you!
(This page created by Teresa Romero of Lompoc CA, fellow Chumash and close friend of Roberta and her family. Please send me private FB message if you have any problems donating! Thanks.)
Last July she was given notice by her landlord to leave her home of 17 years because the landlord’s own family needed the house. She was heartbroken because she loved her little home, which was surrounded by the Native plant medicine garden she had planted and nurtured herself. Many from our Chumash and local community have started their own Native plant gardens from Roberta’s plants. Many more have gathered at Roberta's home for parties, for prayer and counsel, for hanging out to work on regalia, and for coffee. It was “Grandma’s House” for her many grandchildren visiting from Washington State.
Economically, the timing was terrible: grants that funded Roberta’s professional work as a conflict management trainer had dried up under the new administration and so she was just beginning to take her work in a new direction. Those of us from the Santa Barbara area know the great difficulty of trying to find housing in our area, especially affordable housing! Because of this, Roberta had to basically drop everything to look for a place and to pack. Even though she looked diligently for months and applied for several places, things did not come together before her funds ran out. It was impossible to look for a place while attempting to get adequate work. She has stopped the house search to bring in more work, but that won’t be available for 3-4 months.
Currently, Roberta is completely displaced and has been moving from friend to friend; she would be on the verge of homelessness if not for the option to move back to Washington where her children and grandchildren still live. Even though she is past “retirement age,” Roberta will tell you that her work in our homeland is not done. Since she first moved back to Santa Barbara 20 years ago, Roberta has worked endlessly for the local Chumash community and other tribes across our nations with a special focus on providing skills which strengthen indigenous self-determination. Early on, she was a principal in bringing back the tomol (traditional Chumash canoe) as part of the revitalization of Chumash maritime culture. She continues to provide leadership to our Chumash community, old and young, in making sure we have a seat at the table when governmental or other actions might affect our homelands and resources, especially in our coastal areas. It's likely that Roberta has assisted someone you know here locally in our Santa Barbara Community.
Following the tragic displacements caused by the recent fires and mudslides in our community, we recognize how difficult a time it is for so many in our community. One consequence is that competition for affordable rental housing has increased dramatically, affecting everyone who must rent.
Roberta really needs our help at this time, so whatever you might be able to give will be deeply appreciated. The funds will go directly to Roberta so she can continue to live and work in our Chumash homeland.
Thank you and bless you!
(This page created by Teresa Romero of Lompoc CA, fellow Chumash and close friend of Roberta and her family. Please send me private FB message if you have any problems donating! Thanks.)
Organizer and beneficiary
Teresa Romero
Organizer
Lompoc, CA
Roberta Cordero
Beneficiary
