Good morning everyone,

My name is Imane but most of you may know me as Mercury.

As I’m writing this message, a lot of shame and guilt are weighing down upon my shoulders, as I’ve always tried to project an image of an independent woman. When interacting with others, I do my best to be joyful and keep my pain hidden behind closed curtains.

Nonetheless, the current crisis I am facing requires me to put the mask down and reveal that I am facing homelessness due to past due rent payments.

A combination of factors have led to the current circumstances: not only did my previous workplace close due to issues with the law, but I’ve also found myself under the obligation of partaking in a physically harmful & dangerous job in order to survive… That particular position has left me scarred and traumatized, and I have continuously subjected myself to potential harm just to have enough money to eat and maintain a good hygiene. It is important to add that I am also a student, trying to keep face & show up to class even though I might not even have a roof over my head in the next month.

My parents have not been in contact with me for over three years now, since they do not accept my identity, and distance has grown with my previous support system since my last [trigger warning] suicide attempt. It’s been two years that I have stopped going out, further exacerbating my isolation.

In other words, I do not know who to ask for help. If we’ve ever met in person, exchanged a conversation, shared a smile or a hug or a laugh, studied together, if I’ve ever helped you out in any way, then please consider this occasion to help in dire times of need.

For those who wish to contact me, please know that I do not have a phone number anymore, it’s possible to reach out through Messenger or Instagram.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.