A quick summary—I am a disabled transgender woman facing the loss of my first stable home after being terminated for helping someone in need. I’m seeking support to bridge this difficult chapter, stay housed, and rebuild my future.

My name is Bea, and asking for help is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

I am a disabled transgender woman, and for most of my adult life, I have experienced homelessness and housing insecurity. For years, I lived with the uncertainty of not knowing where I would sleep, whether I would be safe, or if I would ever have the chance to build a stable life.

Five years ago, while I was still homeless, I was given an opportunity and started a job that changed everything.

I worked harder than I ever thought possible because I knew what was at stake. I wasn't just working for a paycheck—I was working for a future I had never been able to imagine for myself.

Over the past five years, I became the sole source of income for my household. For the first time in my life, I had stability. And because I knew what it was like to struggle, I tried to share that stability with others whenever I could. I helped support friends, family, and members of my community because I never forgot what it felt like to need help and have nowhere to turn.

Then, two and a half years ago, my disability progressed dramatically.

I lost my ability to walk unassisted.

I had to relearn how to walk so I could return to work and continue supporting myself and the people who depended on me. Even today, I regularly rely on a cane, walker, or motorized scooter to manage my disability and reduce debilitating flare-ups. Some days I can walk independently. Other days, I cannot.

Despite every setback, I kept going.

I kept working.

I kept saving.

And I achieved something I once thought was impossible.

I became a homeowner.

For the first time in my life, I had a place that was truly mine—a safe place where I could rest, heal, and finally begin building the future I had spent so many years fighting for.

This home became more than a house.

It became a dream.

I began transforming my property into a small urban homestead with the hope of creating something sustainable and meaningful. I envisioned growing food, restoring the land, and creating a place where I could share knowledge about food security, nutrition, and ecological stewardship with communities that have historically been underserved and denied access to these resources.

The dream wasn't simply to own a home. It was to create a place of healing, resilience, and abundance that could one day benefit others, too.

Then, three months ago, everything changed.

Earlier this year one of my employees confided in me that they were living in a dangerous situation with a physically violent roommate and didn't know where to go. Remembering my own experiences with homelessness and instability, I couldn't turn away.

I offered them temporary housing in the completely separate ADU on my property so they could be safe while they looked for another place to live.

We maintained separate living spaces and continued to interact only in a professional capacity at work.

When my employer learned of the arrangement, it was determined to be a violation of the company's close relationships policy, and I was terminated.

I lost my job because I chose to help someone who was in danger.

Since then, I have spent nearly three months draining my savings just to keep a roof over my head and pay my bills. I have applied for countless jobs, pursued gig work, and explored every possible avenue of income, but it has not been enough.

My savings are gone.

I am now facing the possibility of losing the first stable home I have ever had and returning to the housing insecurity that I fought so hard to escape.

The thought of becoming homeless again is terrifying.

Which is why I am asking for help bridging this difficult chapter so I can remain housed, continue searching for stable employment, and preserve the home and future I worked so hard to build.

I know the number I am asking for is large, but it is the sad reality for the cost of living in East Oakland today.

With the 30,000 I am asking for I am hoping for 4 months to establish a new position and be able to work and support my family again, but will be eternally grateful for anything you can help with.

If you are unable to donate, sharing my story would mean just as much.

I have spent much of my life trying to survive and, when I finally found stability, trying to help others survive too.

Today, I am the one in need of community support.

Please consider donating or sharing. Your support will help me keep the first safe home I have ever had and give me the chance to continue building a life rooted in resilience, care, and hope.

With love and gratitude,

Bea