Time For Change

My name is Teresa AKA Auntie Bubbles, Auntie T, or Mama T here where I live. I have always been a giver of anything a person may need be it food, water, hugs, love, transportation or just being a supportive, listening ear. It is very difficult for me to ask for help for myself but I can no longer do this on my own. I am a U.S. Army Veteran, single Asian American woman asking for your support. My goal is to move back home to the Bay Area in California where the majority of my loving, supportive, and growing family lives and I am asking for financial help to do this.

In 2010 under threat of foreclosure, it became necessary to short sell my family home of 70 years. At the same time, I became unemployed and thus was without a home nor a job. I was supported by my family who offered couches to sleep on, food to eat, and a bottomless well of love. I took classes at the local community college and in November 2014 I took a chance and moved to Maui. I was blessed to have a place to live and a full-time job within 2 weeks of my arrival. Things went well and then COVID-19 came around and disrupted all of our lives.

During my time here I have frequently dealt with increasing racist and sexist violence due to working in retail and the escalation in anti-Asian racism. I have been yelled at, mocked, belittled, threatened with physical violence, and more. I can no longer deal with such environments without the support of my being around my loved ones. I fear for my personal safety and for the state of my mental health. I am now unemployed due to my speaking up about these incidents and refusing to remain silent in the face of harassment. I have only my own income to rely on and so, I am asking for your help after my income stream has been cut off.

As you can imagine, dealing with the harassment and pandemic by myself was very difficult and I am deeply lonely. It has been over 8 years since I have spent any holidays with my family and over 3 years since I have seen them. My heart's desire is to be home for this Thanksgiving. Being back in the Bay Area would also mean I can seek and receive support through the VA (Veterans Affairs) for my medical and mental health care issues. This access to healthcare is paramount to my well-being, healing, and quite frankly, my survival.

Monies will go to:

~ One-way plane ticket from Maui to San Francisco airport or Oakland airport (if someone wished to donate a ticket in the form of miles, that would be a blessing)

~ Shipping a few boxes of my personal belongings (clothing, mementos, etc.) No furniture.

~ Shipping of my car

~ Car payment

~ Basic living expenses until I move

Any amount is much appreciated and if you could share this with your circles, I would be so grateful. God bless!