Help Andre and Vinny Find Safety and Stability

Hi, I’m Andre (he/him), a disabled trans artist trying to move to a safer, more affordable apartment before I lose what little stability I have left. I do not have the support of family. My partner is thousands of miles away overseas.

I live with C-PTSD, autism, ADHD, OCD, and limited mobility. I can’t walk or stand for more than 30 minutes, and I’m unable to bend frequently, kneel, or lift more than 15 pounds. Even basic tasks are exhausting, and moving without help is impossible.

I work full time at $20.50 an hour, but my rent is $1,050 a month; nearly half my income. I live alone, I have zero savings and live paycheck to paycheck. I’ve cut every cost I can: I downgraded my phone and internet, applied for a government phone, and I’m on AHCCCS (Medicaid) with applications in for food assistance and state aid. But it’s not enough.

Work is no longer sustainable. Every day is a trigger-heavy nightmare. I often arrive and leave work in tears. I’m overstimulated, dismissed, and judged, especially for my disabilities. I’m doing my best to hold on, but I don’t know how much longer I can manage full-time work. It’s terrifying.

Since starting this job, I’ve also begun struggling with memory loss. I’m now working with my doctors to understand what’s happening. I have trouble with short-term memory and object permanence, which impacts both my job and daily survival. I try to write everything down, but I still fall behind. It’s made me feel isolated and burdensome at work, and it’s affecting my ability to budget and plan. I’ve reached out to the Arizona Department of Economic Security for financial planning help, but those resources take time to access.

I drive a 2010 Honda CR-V with nearly 190,000 miles and a slow-leaking tire. I commute 40 miles a day. It's rough.

Lastly, I care for Vinny, my elderly cat, who is 13 and has chronic medical conditions including a heart murmur and bladder crystals. He is overdue for a checkup and I know there will likely be issues due to his aging. I know the cost will be high.

I’m doing all I can, but I can’t do this alone.

What I truly want is to build a life around my art — to post my dreams, share my work, and connect with others through the stories I create. But before I can work toward that future, I need help just to survive the present.

I’m asking for $5,000 to help me:

$1,500 – Move to a cheaper, safer apartment (deposit and move-in fees)

$1000 – Veterinary care for my cat

$800 – Moving van or assistance (I cannot lift or load on my own)

$300 – Past due power bill

$250 – Past due Internet bill

$300 – Mobility aids and heat protection (cane, wagon, sun gear)

$350 – Safe groceries and takeout (due to food trauma)

$150 - GoFundMe fees (calculated if 30 people donate a total of $5,000)

$350 - Start of savings

If you’ve supported my art, followed my work, or just want to help someone stay housed, cared for, and safe, I would be so deeply grateful. Even $5 helps. Sharing this campaign also makes a real difference.

Thank you for reading. I’ll keep updating with progress and art. Your support means more than I can say.