I'm raising money for holistic food and healing modalities so I can heal my mind, body and spirit**.

Why I'm using HandUp for holistic food and healing modalities.

I am respectfully requesting assistance so I can move forward – healthy & empowered – and get back up on my feet. I'm seeking support in being able to obtain healthy food and holistic healing such as acupuncture and more.

In the future I would like to provide healing to others, but currently, I need to focus on my own healing. As someone that’s been on a path of self-healing. I understand the importance of having balance within (proper breathing, self-reflections, healthy mind, body and spirit).

** NOTE TO DONORS: We value your donations, and respect your intention to support people in need with their specific fundraising goals. On occasion, the immediate needs or an emergency may arise, and a Participant might require support in another way for safety, health, housing, or employment. As such, your donation may be used for an immediate basic need not mentioned in the above goal, such as groceries, health costs, or housing support. Any changes will always be approved in advance by PHC Staff. We will provide up to date information on how these funds are being used through an update on HandUp. By making a donation to this campaign, you are confirming your approval of this potential change. If you have any questions, or do not wish that your donation be used for any alternative goals, please contact PHC staff directly.

We greatly appreciate your support to our Participants!

About me.

My name is Shawn. I'm 46 years young and I've been in San Francisco for five years. I arrived from Kansas as a fugitive, seeking personal freedom and a new beginning. I'm not a "criminal" yet I was treated as such for being a strong-and-open-minded woman when my probation officer expressed his dissatisfaction with the legal system, I took that as my cue, sold everything I owned and caught a train from Chicago to Portland.

My backstory.

Before leaving Kansas, I was the co-owner of an antique store and I was very active in my downtown community, giving my time to three committees (public transportation and two downtown activities planning). I have these grown children - two daughters that I offered others in open adoptions and a son that I raised mostly as a single status. I was constantly involved in legal issues with his father after my son gave me "permission" to go after my dreams, he attempted suicide. I've been working towards getting him out here by working on myself.

At 4 years of age, I started my own journey with depression and PTSD. My step dad had a regular routine of abusing my brother and I. Yet through the abuse, the kinder side of him taught us personal responsibilities, took us to the park and we had family day every Sunday with board and card games. At 12 years of age, my four-month-old sister died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). That took me down the road to suicidal thoughts. I wound up being in three mental facilities and then I was in the state’s “care” until I was 17 and within a year, I gave birth to my first daughter and allowed my mother to adopt her. My second daughter – at age 22 – was offered to a couple that was affiliated with my church. I currently am building relationship with both of them.

My goals, moving forward.

I have volunteered with Project Homeless Connect, City Team, City Hope, Lava Mae (Pop Up Villages) and Concern. I would love to return.

I am an intuitive masseuse with 20 years of experience. I love to cook, journal, travel and I enjoy time at cafes with good coffee. At this point in my life, I’m seeking stability. I wish to create ways to support myself. I wish to be active in my community once again.

Since being here, I’ve learned a lot about myself and my beliefs. I am working towards healing my body through a better diet, meditation, self-massage and exercise.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

Despite the challenges I’ve had a blessed life. I grew up outdoors with my grandparents taking us to the lakes every summer until 12 years ago. I had a great aunt that loved me unconditionally in her care I was supported in all ways.

In the past month, I’ve been blessed with housing in a hotel. By having a safe place, my mental health has improved and I feel supported by the staff. I would love to grow my roots here in San Francisco as a woman with simple needs. I would love a one-bedroom apartment or a tiny home.