Please Help Me Rebuild My Life

My name is Jalyssa and I am currently homeless. Life in general has been rough, but this past year has been the roughest.

Eleven years ago, I moved out on my own because the circumstances I grew up in were not safe for my well-being. Even though I have Level 2 autism, I have worked really hard toward being independent. Unfortunately, everything continues to fall through for me. My first roommate kicked me out because her brother wanted to move in, the second because he got married and his wife did not want roommates, and then my most recent situation where I took a job as a nanny. I realized they were taking advantage of me and lost both my job and place to live in December. I had been with them for five years, and it was a devastating experience.

I cannot get back on my feet now. I have done everything in my power. I am working. I am on the Section 811 and public housing wait-lists. I have also contacted every emergency, transitional, and work trafficking shelter in the area. I'm looking for rooms to rent even though that scares me after past experiences. Currently, I am staying with someone, but they are unable to continue to help me, and I am scared I am going to end up on the streets. It doesn't help that due to my disability, I am unable to drive and can only look for places to live close to where I work. I really love my new job and I have friends here; I really don't want to have to give it all up and move away. I don't even know where I would go or how I would get there.

I spoke to a social worker who said I should start raising money in case I end up outside so I can book an extended stay hotel. I have exhausted all my options and this is all I know to do. I am a good person and a hard worker; I deserve a safe place to stay until I find housing.