Help Homeless and Immigrant Youth

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I am creating a cross-country photo essay inspired by the story of Sean and Daniel Diaz in the critically-acclaimed video game Life is Strange 2 by Don't Nod Entertainment. The money raised from this fundraiser will be donated to organizations dedicated to immigration reform and youth homelessness.

Life is Strange 2 focuses on the story of two brothers, Sean and Daniel, who have normal lives in Seattle, until tragedy forces them to flee their home and travel south. Sean suddenly needs to take care of his younger brother by himself, all while dealing with some unique talents that Daniel suddenly discovers he possesses. It is up to the player to make the choices that determine Sean's future, as well as the future of his little brother, Daniel.

Along the way, Sean and Daniel, who are of mixed white and Mexican heritage, deal with homelessness, racism, estranged family, abuse, and all manner of trials; they also deal with brotherhood, kindness, the charity of strangers, friendship, growing up, and hope.

This incredible story inspired me in many ways, and made me want to experience some of Sean and Daniel's story first-hand.

How the money will be spent:

BORDER ANGELS:

The mission of Border Angels is to promote a culture of love through advocacy, education, by creating a social consciousness, and engaging in direct action to defend the rights of migrants and refugees. ​The work of Border Angels has been rooted in this mission since its founding in 1986.

Our country is experiencing a lot of turmoil and we are seeing more and more how many social justice issues are connected and how the work is truly intersectional. For example, when Border Angels advocates for our sisters and brothers that are seeking asylum and that are detained by ICE, part of the fight involves addressing issues of systemic racism and oppression.

In July of 2019, Border Angels staff, leaders, and volunteers joined thousand protesters and activists as they marched through San Ysidro, demanding the closure of unlawful camps where immigrants were being detained.

The march took place after it was reported that several lawmakers visited these detention centers and made light of the horrible conditions adults and children alike were being subject to.

Border Angels is an active member of the immigrant activist community, and will continue to participate in demonstrations such as this one to give a voice to the voiceless.

BRIDGE OF HOPE:

Bridge of Hope is a 12-24 month program designed to assist families facing homelessness achieve family stability. We believe this includes safe and sustainable housing, strong and resilient families and supportive relationships with Neighboring Volunteers.

Their emergency shelter services offer shelter, food, case-management, and other supportive services to individuals and families in need. Home Sweet Home Ministries is blessed to have Christ Temple Church as a part of our Bridge of Hope program. For the past few years, the church has provided prayer and encouragement to two families in Bloomington-Normal.

When Christ Temple Church was first approached to participate as a Bridge of Hope Neighboring Volunteer group, they were eager to get involved. “When we heard about it, we were ecstatic,” exclaims Ericka Howard, a member of Christ Temple Church. “Our Pastor picked a group of twelve of us to work on the project. Home Sweet Home came out and did a training. We were excited to help someone transitioning into their own place.”

Despite the current times, Christ Temple’s faith stays strong. They do weekly check-ins and try to do an event or something else special for their clients every few months. When a neighboring family needs Christ Temple’s support, they’re just a phone call or zoom call away. “Sometimes it’s just a text to say that we’re thinking about them. When you call them and reach out to them, it gives them a sense of openness. It allows them to be open and honest with you.”

Being a Bridge of Hope Neighboring group has been a real blessing for Ericka and her fellow church members. They say it’s been a rewarding experience to watch their neighbors grow.

“We just want to help. That’s our main thing, to go out amongst the world and spread the glory and gospel of Jesus Christ,” shares Ericka. “We are so happy to be a part of this program. No doubt it there’s anything we can do to help a church get involved, we’d be happy to give some advice.”

Other:

Currently I am self-funding all of the expenses associated with the photo essay. These expenses include several things, but the largest costs are airline tickets, car rentals, hotel/motel room/AirBnB rentals, and gas. There are also expenses associated with the cosplay element of the photo essay (clothes, props, etc.). If the fundraiser surpasses the goal of $2,500, the additional money will be used to pay expenses associated with the fundraiser. If all expenses are covered, then money beyond that will be allocated evenly to the above charities or other charities with similar missions.