Financial Support & Rehousing for Trans WoC

Hello lovely human who is reading this.

I didn’t think I would be here, but my mother always told me it’s better to ask for help than stay quiet and let things build up. My name is Jessica Kiaraliza Martinez. I am a Latine trans woman living in the District of Columbia. I have lived in DC since 2014 and have spent years tirelessly advocating for marginalized people. I’ve always fought for the little guy. My family grew up dirt poor and my upbringing was no different. Many people may be asking themselves “well why doesn’t she ask her parents for help?”

Excellent question, three years ago my father suffered a major aneurism placing him in the ICU for 16 days before he finally awoke. He chances of living were extremely low. He is disabled and unable to work. Since 2018 I have been the main breadwinner for my family. When I need help I’m looking in the mirror not to anyone else. It’s been like this for years. This isn’t the only thing to happen, a dog under my care bit another animal and I am still 1000 dollars in debt to this woman for her pet bills.

My roommate also lost his job a few months ago. He has been working in Vermont and this isn’t to put his business out there but I’ve been the only one paying rent and I’m behind. In reality he’s the one who owes money but I am the primary leaseholder. Essentially the longer I stay in this lease and in DC the more I bleed money.

if you’ve made it this far there is so much more to say, but I will keep things short. I set the fundraiser to 1500 because honestly I don’t expect much from folks. Any little bit helps me catch up. If I’m able to save up 2000 dollars I will be able to move to Colorado where my friend has a safe place for me to stay at while I reassess and look for new work.

I hate to ask, but please. I’ve been on my own for years now. This is the anniversary of when I was homeless for a month after an extremely abusive ex. Sometimes I still see him over my shoulder and my mental state is waning. Please help me find peace.

UPDATE:

Oh my goodness I cried when I opened my computer today and saw how much is raised. I am beyond grateful. I updated the amount to what my "goal" was to have saved up which is 2000. Any money I receive over the goal will be donated to HIPS the non-profit organization I work with that has been the capstone of my time in DC. Again I want to thank everyone for your support. Leaving DC and living with my friend is the breath of fresh air I've been needing. Thank you all for your support, and should the fundraiser exceed the goal HIPS will be receiving that money.