laura

“I used my hands for work, now I can't use my hands” 

I met Laura through my friend Ben whom I painted some time earlier. Ben does did his best to look out for Laura and I found she had many people rooting for her success. As I revealed her painting in Santa Ana's Civic Center, many residents gathered to express their concerns. They said things like, "Laura's too good to be here. She has got to get out!" Laura had great friends in Santa Ana, but the reality of a woman living without a home is a daunting challenge for her daily. Her husband was there with her for some time before getting arrested for outstanding warrants.

Laura spent her childhood moving around with her family due to her father's occupation. She explained that she never quite felt at home and was forced to adapt to many different environments and friends groups. Her hands were her primary source of income while working as an IT specialist for years. "I used to be able to type 100 words per minute", she explained. Laura had a crippling disease in her hands and struggled with her motor skills in her fingers. She also had a daughter who she thinks of often. They had a falling out and speak periodically, but Laura longed for a healthy relationship with her.

After receiving housing in Santa Ana, Laura was crossing 1st street one evening and was struck by an automobile in an intersection. Her peers in Santa Ana were devastated by her passing. As she stepped into her dream of overcoming homelessness, her life was cut short before fully realizing rehabilitation. We are truly grateful for the time we spent with Laura. Rest In Peace Laura.