Support Josephine in Schooling and Healing

I need help. I have attempted to make it on my own since October 2020 but continuously have faced hardship after hardship. I had to drop out of college in 2020 due to a (still) unexplained medical episode that resulted in emergency surgery. I left my abusive job in 2021 (a horrifically sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist company). I cut my dad out of my life, have had to move six times in the past two years, and have held five different jobs in the past year. I've been hospitalized for my mental health twice while being at the mercy of untreated, severe OCD that I do not talk about publicly. What you've read is the tip of the iceberg. I have suffered panic attacks, food insecurity, and housing insecurity. I've sobbed over not being able to afford cat food in the past month. I have a hard time accepting when I am in need and asking for the support of those around me. I am swallowing my pride and asking for your help.

I am a visibly queer, transgender lesbian with a rich love for my community. I have experienced two hate crimes this year (yes, in Portland) that have left me drained and scared. I have been poor my entire life and have struggled to make it out of the cycle. I am continuously sick from stress.

All of this struggle has compounded into financial debt. I cannot return to school without paying Portland State University $943, as my records are being withheld. Furthermore, my credit card's been maxed out for 4+ months ($1,400+) after using it for food and utilities. I was advised by the father that I've cut out to enter into a financial agreement with a car loan I did not fully understand, and now I cannot make the $260+ a month payments. I cannot afford my car insurance ($200+ a month) and barely afford my rent with my part-time minimum wage job ($1000+ a month). I have had to take personal loans from friends to survive.

Here is what I need: I need stability. I need a safe place to stay and heal. I need to move in with my partner. I need a place to grow and learn again. Finally, I need to return to school.

Here is my plan: I will move in with my partner and build a home with them. We plan on living together in Portland first, then to San Francisco in roughly one year. In Portland, we will be moving into an apartment together. In San Francisco, we will move into the house they grew up in. While in Portland, I will prepare for my return to school, save money, and start my healing journey. I will return to school in Fall 2023 (or sooner) with a focus on either Library Science or English with a minor in a foreign language. The degree I pursue is contingent on the college I am accepted into.

How can you help me achieve this plan? Donate! Can't donate financially? That's fine! Donate your time (help me organize both physically and mentally), pass along the message, or keep me in your thoughts. If you have any resources or odd jobs (yard work, writing, tutoring, etc.), send them my way. I will be fundraising by selling clothes, books, etc., until I can make this happen.

Anything and everything donated helps, and will be directly supporting me. Please help me find stability. Please help end the cycle of poverty in my life. I've given this fight everything I've got; I can no longer do it alone.

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