Hi, I'm Ashley. I'm a trans woman that's been trying to recover and stabilize for a while. I'm in a catch-22 where all the jobs I get called in for are jobs where trans discrimination is extra high right now. I became homeless after I accepted a job being a full time caretaker in exchange for a place to live and run a merch operation in early covid. As time went on and my savings disappeared I became vocally concerned that I would not be in a good place if I need to get a new spot. I was promised that wouldn't happen and I would be able to stabilize before moving out. Then the thing I was told specifically not to worry about happened. Ironically when I first became homeless it was easier for trans women to get work, and took shelter in a place with a severe black mold problem. I ended up losing my job. I would go to work too sick to function and get sent home, and then got fired for taking too many days off. When this issue was reported to the landlord he responded by kicking everyone out.

After living in a car for a bit and then losing access to the car I started staying in hostels. I have found seasonal work here and there but nothing solid. I had a long-term dog sitting gig that ended recently after the puppy grew up, leaving me to focus on the merch operation alongside trying to get work. I've been trying to relaunch the merch operation for a while now, especially after I stopped living in a car. It was delayed again at the end of last year when a roommate at my hostel said a some explicitly transphobic things, broke into my room, and destroyed the carriers I was using at the time / completely disorganizing my stock / stole and destroyed items. But it's going now.

Which is what I need help with. Rent for my tiny hostel is due on the 21st. My food stamps are frozen and I've been using food banks to stay fed. I'm getting old orders out slowly. I just need help keeping my phone on and paying my rent. Thank you. - Ashley