New Year, New Goal: Return to College

My Goal in Life Is to Help Others Heal From Trauma

Dear friends and neighbors,

It has been just over a year since I was recognized in the Santa Barbara community for helping pull a man to safety from a burning truck that crashed on Highway 154 (as reported in the local media: Homeless Woman in Santa Barbara Rescues Driver in ). I was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and minor burns and later released. What followed was an outpouring of generosity from the community, which got me into a better car (the one I was driving was falling apart) and enough funds to get veterinary care for my dog Bella and to address other urgent needs. I want to thank everyone who has helped this past year from the bottom of my heart.

Despite all this, a year later, Bella and I remain homeless. The car we were given requires regular maintenance and repair costs that we are unable to pay. We are now out of money, unable to buy gas or enough food to survive.

I’m reaching out for your help again to accomplish two goals:

1. I would like to go to school to finish my college degree at Westmont or another Christian college (I attended classes at City College and once received a scholarship to study science at UCSB, which I was unable to act on due to life circumstances). My ultimate goal is to help others overcome trauma and become whole again, as I have done.

2. Our dream is to find a long-term place to call home. Someday, we hope to purchase a small plot of land on which to put a trailer or RV, or someday even build a house. If anyone in the community has leads on affordable housing opportunities, please get in touch.

Over the past year, I have overcome PTSD from past experiences. I feel I have a calling in life to help others do the same. Help me get back into college and on a path toward what I feel is my true calling in life.

Again, I cannot begin to express my gratitude to those who have helped me so far for your kind energy and divine prayers. May you find peace and joy in your everyday journeys.

With love,

Rebecca and Bella