help a Black transmasc artist keep their apartment

Hi there! My name is Meena, and I’m so incredibly thankful you’ve come to visit my GFM! I’m a 22-year-old Black nonbinary transmasc artist, and I’ve very recently decided to take time off from school with plans to work and (hopefully) supplement my income through art and other creative content. Given the state of my mental and physical health, as well as the current atmosphere on my campus (triggered by a string of racist incidents, worsened by COVID-19), I am unsure at the moment if I wish to return. I live in the state of New York, and our Department of Labor has been bombarded with traffic on all their points of contact from people like myself seeking assistance, so that source of (fixed) income is currently not accessible to me. I have been fortunate enough to have my family’s help during this time of financial hardship, but I am coming to realize with each passing day that being exactly who I am renders me susceptible to their harmful, abusive behavior. I will not heal, nor will my mental health improve until I can be independent of them. I am so very blessed to have an apartment of my own, and two cats to keep me company, but this will be difficult to maintain until I’ve planned (and executed) my next move regarding employment and supplemental income. September is little more than a week away, and I am looking to secure another month of housing, electricity and food for myself and my cats as I plan this transition. Generally, I have a difficult time asking for and receiving help, but I’ve decided to no longer listen to the voice that tells me I am unworthy and put myself out there for the sake of my safety and wellbeing. I cannot thank you enough for the time you’ve taken to read this! Have a safe and peaceful day :)