Aji and Wings recently got hit by an electrical fire that could have been deadly, though thankfully neither were physically injured. Then, their well pump died. this past weekend. These events sent a clear message; they must build a more suitable home, on Wings' land, crowdfunding as necessary rather than be beholden to banksters once again.
Like a large rock tossed into a lake, the ripples of the 2008 crash were far reaching, and up-ended the lives of good people far away from Wall Street. As a result of the crash, people cut back on spending, including vacations, purchases, etc. - all of which had a major negative impact on Native artists like Wings.
When Aji & Wings tried to negotiate with the finance company that held the note on their manufactured home, the representative laughed at them, and said they wouldn't restructure the payments because they didn't have to. And the crime of it is, instead of the banksters responsible for the crash in 2008 going to jail, Aji & Wings lost their home.
They've been living ever since in an old RV on Wings' land; shelter that while providing them with a roof over their head doesn't provide much in terms of comfort - no hot water on demand (having to light the pilot light for the water heater each day, to allow for 5 minutes of hot water for a shower after the water finally heats up), sometimes no water at all in the coldest months when the pipes freeze.
After speaking with friends and professionals they trust, Aji & Wings are building their home in stages. This fundraiser is for Stage I of the process - "to get a space filled and leveled and graded and the gallery building moved onto it, and then to get a much larger order of fill deposited and leveled and graded on the old house site. [At the moment, the gallery is in a corner of the space where our old house used to be, and it will have to be moved.]"
For those who are newer here and not familiar with Aji & Wings, I'll introduce them below. But first, here's some ways to help:
Donate at their YouCaring fundraiser.
Purchases or shares of Wings' Silverwork would greatly help them out.
They also have an Amazon wishlist set up. (Aji lists a few caveats about the Amazon list here).
Donations via Paypal to Aji for her writing at blogspot or tumblr
Tweet, Share on FB, Tip/Rec - spreading the word is equally as important as donations.
Now, follow me below to learn more about these incredible people.
Aji is a longtime member of Daily Kos, although as of late she's been posting on her own website, as well as working on writing her story. She's an activist, writing about Native issues, as well as a variety of other topics. Aji has helped fundraise for many DK users in need in the past.
Wings is an artist - he does amazing silverwork, is greatly skilled with photography, and is an activist as well. It is truly a pleasure to work with him and Aji to commission a piece; what stones to use, imagery to incorporate, price range, etc. I've never been disappointed with the results. Some examples of Wings' work:
A stunning dragonfly necklace:
A beautiful ring:
A cuff I commissioned:
And not only are they wonderful artists and activists, but individuals who care for the land and the animals around them, and animals in need have sought them out and found help and care and love.
Again, you can help by:
Donating at their YouCaring fundraiser.
Purchases or shares of Wings' Silverwork would greatly help them out.
They also have an Amazon wishlist set up. (Aji lists a few caveats about the Amazon list here).
Donations via Paypal to Aji for her writing at blogspot or tumblr
Tweet, Share on FB, Tip/Rec - spreading the word is equally as important as donations.
If anyone deserves a secure, bankster-free home, it's Aji & Wings. Let's help them with this first stage; help them build a strong base to start with.
6:02 PM PT: As of 8:30pm, Aji let me know that about $400 has been raised so far between PayPal and YouCaring, and there is at least one sales inquiry. She sends love from her and Wings.