I'm Fleeing Abuse, Trans, and About to be Homeless

Hi there, my name is Koji and am a disabled trans dude currently facing homelessness. First, some back story: about a year ago I finally had the means to pack up and move far away from the place I was abused for the first 25 years of my life. I was physically and emotionally abused by many family members and adults in my life, and a large chunk of it was due to me not aligning with the gender I was assigned at birth. None of my abusers know I'm trans, but just me being "tomboyish" was enough to result in strict control of my wardrobe, hairstyles, social life, and what activities I could take part in.

This abuse left me with multiple, treatment-resistant mental illnesses and a suicide attempt, which eventually left me unable to work. I applied for disability over 7 months ago and still have no idea if/when I will receive benefits. I had been getting by on loans and what little I could make from selling stuff, but I was recently blindsided by my roommate making an impulsive decision.

My roommate knows why I moved out here, and that I'm trans, but they are choosing to not continue the lease in 3.5 months, leaving me hung out to dry. They reason that my disability is too much for them to deal with, even though I've gone above and beyond to make sure it impacted them as little as possible. I cannot afford my current apartment on my own and I have nowhere safe to go due to the abuse, so I'm frantic.

I have to find somewhere pet friendly because my cat, Gizmo (pictured), has been my support system throughout all of this. She's been there since I was a little kid in an abusive home and has never once judged me for struggling, she even shoves her way into my lap when I'm upset. Where so many humans have failed me Gizmo never has, and I will do whatever it takes to keep her happy and by my side.

Next, onto what the funds are for. Regardless of where I end up, I first have to afford rent and utilities at my current place for the next 3 months (by billing cycle), which is about $750 per month. This accounts for $2,250 of my goal. I then estimate ~$400 in total for expenses Food Stamps and Medicaid cannot cover over the next few months (like OTC meds, Gizmo's food, hygine products, and the like).

As for the rest, that will be put towards moving funds so that I can live with a friend at very low rent. These funds will include: a moving truck and car carrier (~$1,700 from Budget Truck Rental), gas (~$380 from AAA's Gas Cost Calculator), one night at a hotel (~$70), and ~$100 for moving boxes, padding, and the like. The remaining $200 is a buffer in case something comes up during the move (like a blown tire or another hotel stay is required), or gas/rental prices increase.

If I am unable to meet my goal or the move to PA doesn't work, the money will go towards either of two options:

I will still be trying to sell art/stuff to meet this goal, but stress makes my disability a metric ton worse and I'm barely getting anything done, so I'm asking for help. Disability could also decide I am worthy of their help at any time, so if that happens I will reduce the goal accordingly.

To sum up, my cat and I will be homeless in a few months thanks to an impulsive roommate if I can't get the money together to afford the next few month's bills and a move. I am disabled and trying to sell some things but I can't make nearly enough to keep up. My family, most of which is abusive, has abandoned me when I needed them most and I'm asking for your help if you can offer it.

After what I've been through I tend to keep my head down and not ask for much, but I hope you can understand why I have to ask in this case. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help, you're amazing and among the strangers who have helped me more than my family ever did! If something changes, like I make big sale or get on disability, I will update right away as I don't want to ask for any more than I need.

**Please note that I wore a mask and edited some colors in the photo to protect my identity in case an abuser stumbles across this post.