Unapologetically Queer. Unfortunately Homeless.

While scrolling on Facebook, I saw a mother, in tears about being Homeless. Nothing hurts my soul more than seeing a mother’s tears over not being able to provide the basics for their children. Shalee, her wife of 10 years, and their two kids have been homeless since March 2021. For Seven months they have been staying in a room that they are renting from a friend but their stay has come to an end. They have been tirelessly working to find stable housing. But its not as easy as it sounds. Shalee spoke on their recent experiences:

 

“Over the summer I ran into many roadblocks trying to find assistance for housing for our family. I spoke with a caseworker who suggested I reach out to my family to see if they would help us get housing. I was reluctant to do so as my family doesn’t accept my wife and our oldest child who are both transgender. However, I did call my dad and he said if I sat down with him and had weekly meetings to discuss life events, that he would financially assit my family with this life transition.”

 

Shalee held her side of the deal doing weekly meetings with her father. For weeks they met and they talked. They made plans for her to find a job, (which she did!) and to find a place for them to live. She did that also! She found a place in York County that was offering a discount on the rent if the tenant would clean it up and paint. With this plan, the financial assistance from her father, and a new light of hope, Shalee knew life was getting better.

Then in a phone call with her father, he rescinded his offer to help her financially. “He said he cannot accept my child as transgender. He refuses to help my family because we are raising our kids to be who they are, unapologetically.” says Shaylee.

 

Her father took away her hope. He insulted her wife, her child, and broke the bond they were creating. Being homeless is exhausting. Being homeless while queer is defeating.

 

Think of the children. Know their parents are raising them to be themselves. Know 1 in 6 queer individuals are homeless at some point in their lives. Let’s pick up where her family failed her by raising the money for the BASICS in life. The basics are a dream for Shalee and her family. We can make their dreams come true.

 

She needs:

$1,800 for security deposit and first month’s rent

$450 to start utilities (Previous balances are still looming from the last apartment. As well as security deposits for new service)

$250 for the uhaul to move from Mechanicsburg to York County.
$150 for go fund me fees
$850 towards appliances/furniture

TOTAL $3,500

 

Thank you for your support!!