I'm raising money for a Camera so I can do better in Photography class.

Why I'm using HandUp for a Camera.

Hi my name is Carmina Franco, i live in San Francisco with my 3 children in a 1 bedroom apartment. We have been living here for 3 years with the help of Compass Family Services. I am currently a recipient of their Rental Subsidy Program. My 16 year old son Yair Morales is taking a photography class at his school. He has been in that class for 2 years now. He loves to take pictures and enjoys that class but he has been having a hard time with his assignments because he does not have a camera of his own to use for that class. The school is limited with camera rentals and most of the time he does not get one in time to complete his assignments. He is a good student and is very smart, he only struggles with that class. I work part time and do not make enough to buy him one but that is the thing i wish he had so he can complete his assignments on time. Anything helps and we will be forever grateful.

About me.

I was born in Lodi, CA. I have lived in San Francisco for 6 months. Before moving here I lived in Turlock, CA. I'm in the 8th grade and go to Herbert Hoover Middle School. After school, I do my homework at the library where I use this time to work on science studies through the ALEKS and STEM programs. ALEKS is an innovative technology research program that teaches scientific research, software engineering, and mathematics skills to students. STEM is the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program that I've been in since 6th grade.

My backstory.

When I got to San Francisco, my family's housing situation was bad. We lived in a temporary shelter for two months. In the summer, we moved to my grandmother's house, then to a friend's house from church, and to the pastor's father's house. My mom works so hard to find us any house in the city, but it is so difficult. She has been to many open houses and calls every single housing ad, but it is impossible to find a place. I am always hopeful that we'll soon finally have a house of our own.

This situation is so difficult, but we have huge support from Compass Family Services, but also my mom's tireless efforts. My mom is my role model. We have a lot of support and help from our church's pastors, and they support us however they can.

My goals, moving forward.

I want to go to university and become a scientist. Since my childhood, I have loved reading about different types of science. Science is so interesting to me. I keep studying and working toward my goal because I know I can achieve it!

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

What makes me happy is that my family's situation is starting to look up. Also, I having my mom with me makes me so happy, too. I love her so much and she gives me so much support. I'm ready to pursue my dreams of becoming a scientist!