URGENT FUNDS FOR THE ELDERLY AT A TRANS SHELTER IN INDONESIA

Support an elderly transgender community in their struggle to survive and sustain a community of care

Dear kind souls,

As budget cuts occur nationally and internationally, funding for community-based organisations supporting vulnerable groups in Indonesia has been significantly reduced. In need of emergency aid are elderly members of the transgender community and others whose lives have been severely impacted by the economic downturn—one brought on by recent changes to donor policies and decisions from stakeholders that drastically limit access for vulnerable groups.

Our latest assessment identified more than 20 individuals facing severe humanitarian crises—not just elderly trans women, but also people living with HIV, female sex workers, homeless youth, and others from marginalised communities.

We are also waiting to hear if we were accepted for funding that is currently in the pipeline from official donors. In the meantime, we are appealing to the public to raise funds to keep our life saving operations active for 6 months.

At the WCC, our vision is to ensure the sustainability of the WCC as a safe house for elderly trans women and other vulnerable groups, where they can access social protection and live with dignity, whether they require palliative care or are simply facing the challenges of ageing.

Some of the steps we've taken include establishing the Waria Crisis Centre Shelter to provide a safe space for those no longer able to work, those in palliative care post-hospitalisation, or those who have experienced gender-based violence. The shelter acts as a temporary refuge while we work toward more sustainable solutions. But the crisis extends far beyond the 4 to 5 people our current shelter can accommodate.

It is on the basis of shared humanity that we call on everyone to take part in this act of solidarity. This appeal reflects the harsh reality many face daily—struggling simply to find enough food. Elderly trans women do not have retirement savings, own no homes, are often without family, and have nowhere to turn when they can no longer work. Most care homes refuse them due to their gender nonconformity.

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The target amount of IDR 70 million (~EUR 3,800) will cover expenses for 6 months during the bridging period:

* Rent – IDR 17 million (~EUR 897) PAID!

* Food – IDR 18 million (~EUR 949)

* Supplemental medical expenses for 5 of the most vulnerable – IDR 9 million (~EUR 475)

* Utilities – IDR 10.2 million (~EUR 538)

* Supplies – IDR 2.1 million (~EUR 111)

*Transportation – IDR 7.2 million (~EUR 380)

*Subsidies for volunteers and community members in need – IDR 20 million (~EUR 1,055)

*Sharing cost with CBOs (other queer and trans organisations) will be 10% of funds raised.

Update (August 2): We’ve reopened fundraising as urgent costs continue to arise — sharing this for full transparency.

How You Can Help

Donate or share, even a small amount goes a long way. Spread the word or give if you're in a position to.

This is a call for justice—for gender minorities who are routinely ignored and excluded from state support and public services. Thank you for always supporting our community. Only Gusti Allah SWT can repay it all.

Rully Mallay

Senior Staff

Waria Crisis Center

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WCC – @wccyogya

Rully Mallay – @rullymallay

Photo: Steven Handoko

IG: @stev.handoko