My name is Jade. I am a 20 year old trans girl, currently homeless living out of a shelter in Philadelphia.

I was recently the target of a hate inspired assault outside my shelter and it has left me with a broken jaw (fractured in two places), a black eye, a severe knee wound, superficial scarring in my face and a mental/emotional trauma.

I find myself holding back panic attacks, hiding from people, and I don’t really feel like me. I don’t like how I look now. I am scared I will recover poorly and it will negatively impact my transition.

I am a 20 old with practically no support or resources. I am unable to sleep without sedation most nights due to the pain and anxiety. I am unable to go outside and live my life because I am afraid I am likely to be assaulted again where I am.

I never wanted to beg or ask for help but I need it now more than ever.

I have been homeless for the past two years and battling to get necessary healthcare & housing.

Anything, literally anything at all is appreciated so much more than I can write here.

Thank you for taking your time to read my story and hear my voice. I have spent too much time being stubborn and refusing help. Here goes nothing.