Help Emma Live Independently in NYC

My name is Emma Farley. I am a physically disabled woman with muscular dystrophy and use a wheelchair full-time. I have worked hard to establish as much of an independent life as is possible. Two months ago I moved to New York City from Madison, Wisconsin because I wanted to build a life for myself. I moved into an apartment in Queens with a woman who is a grad school classmate of my sister and described herself as a disability advocate. In addition, a third roommate was a nurse. They had described their apartment as completely accessible, which I came to learn was not.  I attempted to make the best of this and try to fit in and get by.  At first these two girls were accommodating and willing to help me out. However, after the first month their initial efforts began to wane and they had little interest in helping me assimilate. They seemed “triggered” by my upbeat and pleasant (midwest) attitude. The harder I tried to fit in, the more their moods became filled with tension and resentment. I was walking on eggshells and was afraid to leave my room. I cried most nights. 


I was afraid that my living situation was no longer secure because I had not signed a lease or sublet when I moved into the apartment… I had put my trust in these two, self-described disability advocates.  Then, the day after New Year’s, my roommates informed me that they no longer wanted me to live in the apartment because I was too triggering for them. They told me that if I paid rent I could stay until the end of the month, but if I did not pay rent I had to leave in two weeks. I explained to them that as a physically disabled/wheelchair user this is not a reasonable demand because it takes more time and more money to move in my situation. I could not just “crash” on someone’s couch or move into any non-accessible apartment or home. My roommates shrugged their shoulders at this (which basically meant “we don’t care, figure it out and leave”). 


The next day the situation spiraled into a dangerous one. My roommates began moving my food to shelves I could not reach. They placed a locked child gate on the bathroom (they had a dog, and that was their excuse) so that I could not gain access. They opened windows that I couldn’t reach so that my room was constantly freezing. And, I began receiving threatening text messages stating that they were going to report me as a trespasser.  I had no choice .. for my safety and mental well being I had to abandon my apartment immediately. I checked into a hotel near Laguardia Airport for several days (not the safest choice, but better than my apartment). Through the muscular dystrophy community in which I am active, I was able to find a place to stay until I can get back on my feet, out on Long Island.


So I am now regrouping. More than ever I am determined to make a life for myself in New York. I WILL find an apartment and I WILL regain my independence. But to do that I need help. I lost so much in this eviction. I spent most of my savings to move out here and begin to make my apartment accessible. That money is now gone, as are many items I needed to buy. How does someone in a wheelchair move a bed, a dresser, miscellaneous durable medical supplies (shower chair, ramps, etc.)?  How do you load them into a cab or van?  With time and money those things may all be possible. I have neither.


With your help I will begin again. I will find an apartment, make it accessible and live an independent life - the dream of everyone in their twenties.


Money raised will help with two month’s rent (plus security deposit, fees), transportation to view apartments and to move, purchase accessible medical goods (shower chair, toilet riser, grab bars, bed, dresser, etc.).


Thank you so much for your support. I will never forget it.