Hi, my name is Caspian. I'm 22 years old. I'm a disabled LGBT+ college student living in Southern Indiana.

As of two days ago, I had to flee the home I was living in with my abusive mother. During the time I lived with her, I was subjected to a strain of problems. She was controlling, manipulative, abusive, and did everything in her power to keep me from ever leaving her.

She spent nearly every day berating me, screaming at me, physically threatening me and my partner, blocking the door to her room so I couldn't leave while she screamed at me, threw things, encouraged me to commit suicide, to self-harm, spoke on how much she despised me and how much of a disgrace I was, only to dump on me that I was the only reason she didn't kill herself. I gave her hundreds of chances to listen to me, to get better, to learn how to take care of herself, to go to counseling with me, and repair our relationship. She has refused, directing the blame to me.

During our last argument, she told me to leave, to kill myself, and that she wouldn't care and I deserved it. I finally packed my things, my partner, my dog, and my cat, and left.

I, myself, am a victim of sex trafficking. From ages 6-14, I was trafficked through a local church, one I will not name for mine and other victims' safety and have been advised not to publicly speak on. I have autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, as well as a seizure disorder, hypermobility syndrome, hip dysplasia, joint and hip issues from sexual abuse, as well as internal issues. This has caused severe mental, emotional, and physical trauma that I have had no opportunity to recover from.

I am currently in touch with my therapist, crisis centers, homeless support centers, my college, and various other people, as well as currently staying with a friend until I can get on my feet. I have been homeless before.

I have done a lot of math, and a lot of calculations, and a lot of planning, and in order to get on my feet I would need: first and last month's rent, deposits and pet deposits, application fees, enough money for transportation to get to food banks and jobs, and enough to pay off a phone for a few months. My therapist has suggested saving enough for the first three months of rent to allow myself to rest, recover, and be secure while I get a job and get into the world, and then start on disability proceedings. During this, I am also finishing college and need an Internet connection to do my classes; however, I can go to public libraries for this as long as I have reliable transportation. My school offers discounts on bus tokens and passes, which are a one-time monthly payment.

I am ashamed of asking for help, I am ashamed and guilty of the decisions I've had to make to get out, but I'm glad I'm alive and that's what matters.

If you can help in any way, even a dollar, my family would be forever grateful. I also have a Ko-fi if you'd like to commission art.

Thank you.