Help Tiegan Escape Danger and Pursue Education

Hello, my name is Tiegan. I’m a 49-year-old Black, neurodivergent individual currently living in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, my circumstances have been far from stable or safe. Over the past decade, I’ve been a victim of multiple assaults, two of which occurred at gunpoint due to a hate crime. As a result, I was relocated three times by the district attorney’s office due to fears for my life.

One of these relocations ended in tragedy. I was forced out of my new home because I was bullied, harassed, and assaulted. I was then moved to another apartment, but again, tragedy struck. This time, I was forced out by the management and staff because I’m transgender. They prohibited me from using the main entrance and forced me to enter and exit through the back loading dock. I filed a formal complaint with the DC Office of Human Rights, which found the company liable. The complaint has now been forwarded to the DC Office of the Attorney General, but I have yet to hear back.

On January 30th, 2025, a man ordered his Rottweiler to attack me while I was walking my dog. My dog required emergency surgery after the brutal attack, and the man has been charged with a hate crime. A warrant for his arrest has been issued.

While I have a Housing Choice Voucher that covers my rent, I do not currently have secure housing in D.C. and no longer feel safe here due to the current political climate. With D.C. being a federal district, there is no sovereign immunity, and the current administration, as well as Congress, have full jurisdiction over the city. Recently, I even encountered one of the men who attacked me.

That brings me to today. I’ve managed to secure housing in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, thanks to the incredible leasing and management team there. I was scheduled to move in on January 31, 2025, but I lack the financial means to cover the costs of moving. I applied for public assistance in New York City and was approved, but I cannot access the funds until I am physically in the city. Additionally, I’ve been awarded free tuition at Brooklyn College and Hunter College for their social work program, with the condition that I reside in New York City.

To make this move possible, I’ve created this GoFundMe in hopes of raising funds to cover moving expenses, train fare for my dog and me, essential household supplies, personal hygiene items, and food to sustain me until I’m better situated. I’ll also need transportation fare for commuting to school.

Starting over is overwhelming, and I’m scared. I won’t feel safe or at ease until I am out of D.C. and out of harm's way. I truly believe that I will be safer in New York City as a Black, poor, transgender woman.

I know this has been a lengthy message, but I struggle with verbal communication due to my autism. Your help, in any form, would mean the world to me. Thank you for reading and thank you in advance for your support.

With gratitude,

Tiegan