Housing for Queers

Hi,

My name is J.

I've spent a lot of time trying to create a space that is a forever space where black/ brown /trans /queer people can live peacefully and express themselves safely. Everyone has had there fair share of shitty times, but we've all pulled together to help each other whether that be family issues, health problems, therapy, addiction, etc. Everyone in the space is free to bring friends and family in and be loved and respected. We all have our own busy lives as performers, makers, cooks, office workers, etc - but we always take time to say hi and to chat when we can. We share our space and we keep everything cohesive as best we can. As corny as it sounds, we aim to be like family to each other - because in reality, that's all the kind of family some of us have.

Unfortunately, not all the people that come here feel the same way about giving back. My name is on the lease for the apartment and that means when shit goes down, I take the hit. I am 100% transparent about that when people come through, and 90% of the time we all pull through together on understanding.

We've been hit with two roommates (in succession) that left me not only handling the bill but also to diffuse potential legal issues due to their individual actions. So I did the right thing - which is to bite the bullet each time to protect the more vulnerable people in the house. I 'm at the point where I DIY/ make the most of everything I could get my hands on (I buy pounds of flour to make bread, I pickle everything I can, you get the idea) to cut costs and to pay off this debt. But credit cards can only do so much and the interest piles up.

I've been doing my best to not lose hope. I still give back to my community with my time and I barter whenever I can - I sell some of my homemade candles, soaps, incense, and jams for money here and there. I know I just need some help.