Hi, my name is Annie Barrett, and I’m reaching out with both a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit. I’m a queer, nonbinary, chronically ill, and disabled parent doing everything I can to care for and protect my family—myself and my two adult children.

Why We Left Tennessee

In 2023, I made the painful but necessary decision to leave Tennessee. As a queer and trans family, we faced relentless harassment in the South. For our safety and sanity, I sold our home and used every penny from the sale to move across the country in search of peace and the simple right to live. My daughter and I settled in Washington State last year, and this spring, my other adult child—who is also nonbinary—was finally able to join us.

Hope, Then Health Crisis

After months of uncertainty, I was fortunate to find full-time work. For a while, it felt like things might finally turn around. But soon after, my health began to decline rapidly. I was diagnosed with:

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Fibromyalgia

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

And an undiagnosed inflammatory disease that causes widespread pain and extreme fatigue.

These chronic illnesses made it impossible to continue working full-time. I lost my job, and with it, our only income and health insurance. I’ve since taken on part-time work while searching for a full-time position that isn’t physically demanding, but the gap has devastated us financially.

Our Situation Now

I’ve exhausted everything—savings, retirement funds, and every line of credit—just trying to survive. I’ve had to ration my medications, and I’ve even stopped one of my asthma treatments altogether because I simply can’t afford it. This is especially dangerous during the summer, when my POTS symptoms include severe shortness of breath.

As of June 30, my youngest child (an adult), their certified Emotional Support Animals (a dog and a cat), and I are homeless. We currently have a tent and basic camping gear, but rising temperatures and soaring campground prices—especially during holidays—are making it harder each day to stay safe and sheltered.

What We Need

I’m humbly asking for help to:

Secure temporary shelter—whether in a motel or at a safe campground

Move into stable, long-term housing

Afford food, transportation, and essential medications

Sustain us while I continue to work part-time and search for full-time employment

⚖️ Pay for legal fees to file for bankruptcy and start rebuilding our financial future

Despite everything, I hold on to one blessing: my older child is now safe and thriving here in Washington. That hope keeps me going.

I know these are difficult times for so many. If you’re in a position to donate—no matter the amount—it truly makes a difference. If not, please consider sharing this page or simply keeping us in your thoughts. Your compassion means more than words can express.

With deep gratitude,

Annie Barrett