Mississippi climate justice movement elder Carmella Causey is in life-threatening condition. On the morning of Nov. 18, her estranged and abusive husband attempted to kill her by setting her home in Gloster, MS on fire with her and her beloved dogs inside. Carmella survived with third degree burns all over her body. One of her dogs was killed, and the other survived. Carmella received emergency medical attention at a hospital in Amite County, but the hospital discharged her the same day with third degree burns covering her body from face to feet. By the time we spoke with Carmella on Friday evening, she was being driven by a friend to a burn center in Baton Rouge, where she remains today. She will have surgery on Monday Nov. 21 to debride the burn wounds. 

Carmella lost everything in the fire–her home, which was uninsured, and all her personal belongings. She has nothing. Authorities in Gloster are aware of the arson, and we are told they are investigating; however, Carmella does not have legal representation, either. There is a history of domestic abuse by her estranged husband, and law enforcement and the court system have failed to protect her. 

We have been working in rapid response mode to begin collecting basic necessities for Carmella like clothing, hygiene supplies, pet food and household items. We have also been reaching out to trusted contacts to see if we can connect her with legal support and researching safe, temporary housing options for her understanding that her safety and well-being must be the primary concern when she is discharged from the hospital. 

Beyond her immediate needs, Carmella will need long term support for stabilization and recovery, including a safe housing solution, trauma recovery resources and basic necessities. We keep one another safe, and this is a situation in which community support is a MUST. Please give what you can to support Carmella's recovery. 100% of funds donated will go directly to Carmella.