Hey everyone,

As I sit down to write this, I find myself asking: How did I get here?

The reality is that being Black, trans, and disabled in America often means living on the edge—just getting by, constantly navigating a system that doesn’t offer the same access, opportunities, or safety nets that others take for granted. For months, I’ve struggled to find stable work. My disabilities—both physical and mental—limit my job options, and reliable transportation has been another major barrier.

I was finally able to secure a job, but due to the very challenges I’ve been working so hard to overcome, I was let go just two weeks in. That income was supposed to be my way out, my stability, my security. Instead, losing it pushed me into crisis. On top of that, other financial resources I relied on have been cut short, leaving me in a deep hole that I simply can’t climb out of alone.

Right now, my partner Anika and I are two months behind on rent. Our landlord has filed eviction proceedings, though no court date has been set yet. We are doing everything we can to make payments, but even with our best efforts, we will still be short $3000 to fully catch up by March.

I have been homeless before. If you know me, you know what that experience has done to me—how much I’ve fought to build a stable home, to create safety and security for myself and my partner. I refuse to go back.

As hard as it is to ask for help, I know that community is built on showing up for each other. This $3000 will allow us to cover our overdue rent for January, February and cover court filing fees related to the eviction, keeping a roof over our heads and ensuring that we can move forward without fear of eviction. Starting in March, we will be able to cover rent again—but right now, we just need this boost to keep us afloat.

If you’re able to contribute, share, or simply spread the word, it would mean everything to us. Thank you for standing with us in this moment.

With gratitude,

Daniel & Anika

Timeline of Events

May 2024 – Laid off from previous job.

May – December 2024 – Managed to make rent payments by exhausting savings.

December 29, 2024 – Hired for a new job.

January 1, 2025 – Unable to pay rent due to financial hardship.

January 15, 2025 – Laid off from the new job after just two weeks.

February 4, 2025 – Visited the rental office to discuss missed January rent. At this time, Daniel was informed that the landlord had mistakenly applied another tenant’s rent payment to their account and would correct the issue.

February 11, 2025 – Received the first "Courtesy Late Rent Reminder." Their lease states that two reminders must be issued before eviction proceedings begin.

February 13, 2025 – Spoke with the landlord in person and was informed that eviction proceedings had been filed. Daniel was also told they would be responsible for court filing fees, estimated to be upwards of $900.

February 16, 2025 – Created GoFundMe Page.