Hello, my name is Stella. I'm a disabled, nonbinary trans person who works in food service. I am raising money to help lift me out of homelessness and achieve financial stability
In early January, I attempted suicide and was subsequently hospitalized and then kicked out of a shared home by my ex-partner. While I am currently employed working at a restaurant in my city, Hamilton Ontario, over the past 3 years of my relationship, my housing and financial stability heavily depended on living with, and splitting costs with my partner, and I have not been able to get enough hours at the restaurant, or seek access to disability support, to begin to save up and rent a place to live.
I've been couch surfing or relying on shelters here in Hamilton. Though its becoming an expensive place, Its difficult for me to leave for various reasons. My mental and physical health supports, what remaining community I have, and my only current job where I feel safe and supported by coworkers remains here.
I struggle with borderline personality disorder, arthritis, and chronic pain, and being homeless is a significant impediment to managing these things, both physically and mentally. Access to my therapist and DBT group here in Hamilton are some of the things that have helped in some small way with the persistent suicidal ideation.
I've set the goal of the fundraiser high to try and recoup a lot of various costs from the past few months, potentially replace important items, and for what first and last would be for a modest apartment, but a contribution to achieving even some of these parts would help immensely. The full approximate breakdown things I'm estimating needing money for is as follows:
- First and last month's rent for a modest Hamilton apartment, within commuting distance from my work and therapy. This is potentially the largest chunk of costs, that could be up to $2000
- Potential storage locker costs as most of my things are present in a storage locker under my ex's name.
- Vehicle rentals and/or other moving costs to move into my new place such as gas.
- Furniture costs in my new place; I intend to seek out secondhand furniture to reduce costs, but a decent mattress is important for managing my chronic pain.
- Daily food costs and hygiene products; I've been able to eat at work during my shifts due to allotted staff meals, but otherwise often ate on the go. I've not been often able to prepare cheap and hearty meals like I used to be able to.
- Replacing clothing thats been damaged or worn down or infested by pests, buying luggage for safe transporting etc
- Paying the cost of a Post Office Box to have a place to send mail to that isn't my ex and I's home or friends.
Organizer
