Farah needs a safe place to live and finally thrive

Hi all, my name’s Farah and I’m a 32 year old disabled transwoman of colour who is currently struggling to survive in a HMO. I originally accepted the accommodation as it was meant to be “supported housing” (as many HMO’s claim to be) but in fact there is no support and I have been made to live in an all-male house in an unwelcoming neighbourhood. In addition to have being forced back into the closet in order to survive here, my room is covered in damp and mould and I currently have to spend most of my time outside so I don’t get ill.

I have been trying to move out on my own but it is difficult as I currently don’t have a job partly due to my disability and partly due to the rules of the HMO and no one will rent to me privately because they don’t accept people on benefits – even though my benefits would cover the rent. I am on the waiting list for council housing but I could be on there for years. If I could offer more rent up front I may actually have a better chance of getting somewhere with private landlords and this is the reason for starting the fundraiser.

It feels like my whole life is at stake here and it has taken a lot for me to start this fundraiser and ask for help. But I don’t know how much longer I can survive in my current living situation. I need to be in a place where I can be the real me – I just want to feel like a real person.

Anything you can give will go towards paying a deposit and rent upfront on a flat. Thank you in advance.