So, I really need to let you know that I'm sharing this with you as a human in need of human compassion and I’ve been taught if we can’t help each other than why are we here. When I have I always will give anything I have to just give hope to someone because hope is what keeps up pressing forward without drowning in our struggles and sorrows. I'm not asking for anything out of the means of establishing a place of safety and refuge. I'm sharing this because I believe in compassion and willingness to put down my pride and yell for help when help is what is required to survive.

I've been entangled in a legal battle with my apartment management company for more than a year now. It all started when they neglected to fix my heater, and in response, I withheld my rent. I mean, I work hard to earn that money, and in return, they should provide a warm and comfortable home for me, right?

When I threatened to take matters into my own hands, they eventually sent two different companies to "fix" the heater, but they blatantly discriminated against me and refused to do the job, claiming it wasn't part of their responsibilities. I even emailed them about this discrimination, but the heater remains broken. Can you believe it? I'm not at fault here. I reached out to the city through email, but nothing was done. I took them to court and hired a lawyer, even though I had limited savings, but unfortunately, he didn't do much and left me hanging. The case got dismissed because the management company lied about serving me. They tried to evict me a second time, and this time they succeeded because I didn't have legal representation. Now, I'm left with nothing but myself and my dog Liya. I don't have any family. I have had so many loss in the past 5 years that have left me alone have no one to turn to and nowhere to go. All I have are the clothes on my back and my faithful dog. You see, if I end up on the streets, I'm certain I'll face unimaginable dangers like assault and murder. It's a terrifying thought. I've reached out to organizations and applied for low-income housing, but it's just a waiting game now. I don't have anyone I can talk to about this because people tend to shy away from such issues, and that's okay. I understand that my problems are my own. I'm just frightened and overwhelmed with fear for my life.

i myself have a career in the industry of hair and prior to my transition I could work at any salon in the greater Los Angeles area and since after my transition I’ve applied to 24 salons being scouted by half of them due to my resume but when the interview happens and I see the reaction to who I am in the persons demeanor changing I don’t get a call back. I’ve even applied as an assistant to stylists also other areas of work such as personal assistant, cosmetics retail sales, anything because I’m not too good for anything as long as it provides the means to put a roof over my head and food in my stomach. If anyone has any work or directions they can send me in I’m willing to do what I have to do to survive and you better believe I will pay it forward when I can. Guaranteed! I don’t want come off as an entitled person because I’m not. I have a huge heart and would give the last dollar in my pocket if it brings hope to that person to live another day with an inkling of hope.

I won’t be anything but grateful and will extend my gratitude to anyone.

I am a human in need and I’m not afraid to ask for help or afraid of doing anything to keep myself safe. I am afraid that if I end up on the streets it will be detrimental and that scares me because I’m alone.

I don't have any expectations from anyone else for that matter. I just needed to communicate because they say communication is vital. If you don't speak up, how can you expect to be heard? So here I am, speaking up. It's all about connections, you know? I hope that by sharing my situation as a transgender woman in this lonely world, someone out there might be able to help. There are resources available, but the only way to access them is by communicating the challenges I face.

So I thank you for reading my desperate cry for help and this is my last resort seeing that I only have a couple days left with shelter and I’ve utilized all the resources I know of and this is my last life raft and hope it’s not my last hope. Anything would help. Anything. Pennies, leads, direction, work, anything.

I appreciate your understanding and empathy and I understand the world is going through this process as well but it doesn’t hurt to ask for help.

Thank you and namaste

Sofia