Earlier this year, I took in a friend/roommate who was experiencing housing instability. What started as a temporary, emergency situation slowly became unsafe and overwhelming. Over several months, I covered most of the rent and bills, took on extra work despite being disabled, and tried to support someone who was struggling with serious mental health challenges.

In July, after I told them I could no longer financially support them, they were hospitalized following statements made to crisis counselors about harming me and my dog. I was told by the crisis team that they were concerned about escalating behavior, extreme emotional distress, and safety. I was terrified but tried to do the compassionate thing, even allowing them to return briefly afterward due to a complete lack of housing support from their care team.

Unfortunately, things continued to escalate. Boundaries were repeatedly ignored, I was blamed and gaslit for feeling afraid, and I was told directly that I would continue to be “used” because I couldn’t make them leave. I eventually feared for my safety and my dog’s safety enough that, in September, I filed for and was granted an emergency order of protection.

That order is currently in place. The person has since been removed from my home with a police escort, and my locks have been changed. However, this is not over yet.

I have an in-person evidentiary hearing in February to determine whether this protection will be extended long-term. This hearing will require presenting documentation, timelines, and testimony — and I desperately need legal representation to navigate it safely and correctly.

Here’s the problem:

I’m disabled, financially tapped out after months of covering another adult’s expenses, and most legal aid organizations do not represent people in protection order cases unless the respondent is a spouse or family member. I’ve hit wall after wall trying to find help.

I am trying to raise $650 to cover the attorney fee. I found an attorney who works with low income people who helps with getting everything prepared. It's a pretty affordable rate compared to most lawyers who want thousands upfront, but is still a bit out of reach for me.

I didn’t ask for this situation. I tried to help someone in crisis, and it nearly cost me my sense of safety in my own home. I’m exhausted, shaken, and doing everything I can to rebuild stability — but I can’t do this next step alone.