Hi, my name is Emerson. I’m a queer transman who is in a tough spot right now. I recently lost my job, and while I’m actively looking for work and applying for assistance through DSS, they can’t provide help for another 30 days. In the meantime, I’m staying in a motel with my cat, Callie, and we’re at risk of losing our housing if I can’t cover the costs.

Here’s what I need help with:

• Motel costs: About $350–$400 per week (the lowest weekly rate I can get).

• Food & basics: Around $50–$75 per week for groceries and essentials.

• Cat care: Around $20 per week for food and litter.

That means I need about $450–$500 per week to stay afloat. My goal is $2,000, which would cover about a month of housing, food, and basics while I stabilize my situation, keep applying for jobs, and wait for DSS support to kick in.

I’m doing everything I can to move forward, but right now I just need some help to get through this gap. Any amount—$5, $10, $20—makes a huge difference, and even if you can’t donate, sharing this would mean the world to me.

Thank you so much for reading and for helping me and Callie stay safe and together.