My girlfriend, Tori, and I became houseless in Sacramento, California, after realizing that even in the most affordable areas, someone living on a fixed income can't afford a room. We decided to bike pack down the coast of Southern California, moving from campground to campground. While this has been doable for the short term, it's not a sustainable way to live all year round. The uncertainty and constant moving have made it difficult to find stability and plan for our future.

Both Tori and I are transgender, and between my disability and our genderqueer status, seeking employment can be extremely challenging. Sometimes it takes up to two years before we're able to find a job, which makes it even harder to break the cycle of housing insecurity. In just the first week of our journey, we've encountered police three times, severe panic attacks, dangerous individuals, mountain lions, hostile locals, malnutrition from the lack of grocery stores in some regions, and two ER visits. These experiences have made it clear how urgent our need for safe, stable housing is, and how many barriers we face each day.

We're hoping to raise funds to purchase a van, which would go a long way toward making housing sustainable for us. Having a van would not only provide us with immediate shelter and safety, but it would also give us the freedom to continue supporting our community. We're passionate about providing information and organizing events to fight homelessness, and having a stable base would make it possible to do even more. Additionally, we hope to start a business in electrology, which would help us build independence, generate our own income, and create a brighter future.

With generous donations, we'll be sharing updates on our bike packing journey south—including time spent with friends, destinations we reach, and any bumps we encounter along the way. We want you to be part of our story and see the difference your support makes.

We're asking for your support—whether it's sharing our story, donating, or offering words of encouragement. Every bit helps us move toward stability and continue giving back to our community. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any help you can offer.