During the holidays, Elizabeth Hughes and her sixteen-year-old daughter Katy were evicted from their apartment and forced to live in the streets. Since they lost their apartment, they have been bouncing from parking lot to parking lot, and have recently been able to stay in a hotel because of others’ donations. People all over the internet — such as author Brandilyn Collins and marketing professional Julie Bonn Heath — have been blogging and tweeting Liz and Katy’s struggle.

A couple of days ago, I wrote about them on Scars Can Speak and on my personal blog.

I know times are tough right now. I know we are all pinching pennies and cutting back. But if there is any way that you can give them just a little, please do. There are many ways to help.

• Donate through PayPal to hugheselizabeth [at] rocketmail [dot] com.
• Donate gift cards or checks by mail to:
  Elizabeth and Katy Hughes
  PO Box 111525
  Campbell, CA 95011
• Write to Liz and Katy to boost their morale. Let them know you are thinking of them. Give them hope and strength in a time that is uncertain and scary. You don’t have to write a long letter. Just a few lines saying “I’m here for you,” or “I am keeping you in my thoughts” is enough. Reach out and be their friend.
• Pass this URL on:
  
  
  

I am currently trying to find out if Katy or Liz need anything clothing. When I know, I will update this as necessary. I will also update as any other needs arise, and will continue to post updates to the Letters of Love announcements blog (on lettersoflove.net — not on Scars Can Speak).

Updated 01/06/2009: Help spread the word! Right-click and save this banner and put it on your MySpace, Facebook, blog or any other site to reach as many people as possible!

You can also send the bumper sticker to your friends on Facebook!

Updated 01/14/2009: Spread the word about Liz and Katy by sharing this bumper sticker with your Facebook and MySpace friends. Just right-click, choose Save Image As, and upload to your MySpace/Facebook bumper sticker app.

Updated 03/12/2009: Got clothes you aren’t wearing anymore? Consider donating them. Liz and Katy are looking for clothing:

• Pants, size 13 (either jeans or dress pants, especially dress pants for church)
• Tops, size XL
• 4x clothing

If you would like to donate, please mail them to the shipping address listed above.

Updated 04/07/2009: Katy is currently taking orders for her artwork! If you would like some beautiful, custom artwork done by the talented Katy, please check out her samples and contact information. I’m going to be getting something done, myself. (: It would really help them out and you snag a nice piece of artwork to boot! Who knows, maybe someday Katy will be a famous artiste and we can all say we knew her when.

On a less light note, Liz and Katy are currently packing their things and moving out of their apartment. They aren’t sure where they are going. They need our support now more than ever. If you can send them a note with some love and encouragement, or possibly a small check to help them out, I know they will be more than grateful. I have been corresponding with Katy through email, Twitter, blogging, and sometimes letters, and just recently have started talking to Liz on Twitter. They are both amazing women and they more than deserve our support. Please do what you can, whether it is sending them a note, buying some of Katy’s art, or donating anything you can (see above for clothing sizes and their P.O. box address).

Update 07/09/2009:
Sometimes things get worse before they get better. Liz and Katy still need our help and support! I have created a Facebook group to better update and keep track of what is going on and new ways to help. Please join the group and read the “Why you should care and how you can help” post for more information and for a list of what they need. Thank you, everyone, for your continued support!

Update 01/05/2010:
I have been posting regular updates on the new Letters For Katy blog. You can find all of the latest information on ways to help there. I also continue to regularly update the Facebook group, though I update the blog first and foremost. Thank you so much to everyone who has continued to help.