Fwd: Naama update

[Jennifer Carey]

Hi everyone,

This is a request for housing help for a woman, named Naama, who is starting over with her daughter and has few resources at this point.
I met Naama in person yesterday. I liked her and I really want to host her and her daughter here for a while, but the timing is difficult as we are about to have a new baby and there will be lots of family around for a while. She was also very concerned about us and felt we were offering her space too soon. Coming from someone who has so few options at this point I was touched by her concern for our family. As her friend Amy says in the email that follows, I'm not asking any of you to do anything that would be uncomfortable for you but you may know of someone or have networks with someone that has some space or a house sitting need. She and her 5 year old daughter house sat for a friend of mine who was really happy with her last month. She seems very kind and I am confident she will find stability with a little support through this transition. ANYWAY, read on for the story and if you or anyone you know can help please let me know, or you can contact Amy directly. Amy is coordinating her housing on her behalf.

Thanks!
Jen

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Amy Standen <arst...@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Sep 20, 2013 at 11:17 AM
Subject: Naama update
To: "arst...@gmail.com" <arst...@gmail.com>

Hi neighbors -- I just posted this on bernal parents, but wanted to send it directly in case you (shockingly) don't read every BHP note from start to finish. 

Please know that i'm NOT asking you to do anything -- all of you have done more than enough. But if you feel like forwarding this to any other local networks you're a part of, that would be great. Maybe if we can spread the word far enough we can line up a bunch of housesits for them. 

All best,

amy

415 264-5560

Hi all,

Some of you may remember the series of notes a couple months back about a local woman who is trying to establish a new life for herself and her daughter after leaving a violent home situation. So many people in this community have been just *incredibly* helpful and generous in a dozen different ways. It's been really heartwarming and amazing to watch. 

But, this is a long-term project. The daughter is enjoying kindergarten and, while it's gotta be pretty tough on both of them, they seem to be doing ok. The mom is getting food stamps, job counseling, some cash and other public assistance. Housing is the rub. She's on wait lists for subsidized housing, but that can take up to 8 months. Of course there are shelters they could stay in, but that's a last resort.

So, I'm coming back to the community. The two of them have a place to stay through October 29, but after that it's uncertain. We can fill in a few days here and there, but the goal is to line up as many longer (as in a week or more) arrangements as possible. 

If you have any need of a house sitter at any point in the next few months, please consider asking these two. As I and others in this group can attest, they're lovely, responsible house sitters. She takes great care of plants and animals, they leave the place immaculate, and -- importantly -- there's no drama with the ex, or anything else along those lines. I'm happy to tell you more if you drop me a line.

Thanks for considering this, everyone, and for passing it around. And THANK YOU MOST OF ALL for all the support you've given these neighbors. Go Bernal!

Best,

Amy