Help Keisha Secure Safe Housing and Education

My name is Keisha Walker, and I am currently a third-year student at the University of the District of Columbia. My passion for helping others and my interest in the field of medicine have led me to pursue a career goal of becoming a Medical Doctor.

Since January 2024, I have been enrolled as a student and have completed the spring and summer semesters. Unfortunately, in my previous place of residence, there was a strict zero-tolerance policy for violence. Despite this, I was physically assaulted in only my second month there. I was found to be not at fault in this incident. Following the assault, I requested to be relocated, but as I was still new to the area, the staff preferred to keep me in the same place, assuring me that I was not causing any issues. However, the following week, a fellow resident verbally attacked me, using derogatory language and falsely accusing another resident of talking about her. Despite this, my relocation request was not granted.

I was jokingly told by a resident before this incident that I would be put on a leash and trained. I spoke with staff members to try to calm the situation down. The resident was supposed to be moved the following week. I stopped talking to all residents because I didn't appreciate being disrespected. I asked the staff to call a meeting because residents were talking negatively about each other and bringing their problems to me. When I mentioned a mandatory meeting to the residents who were having a problem with others, their response was, "If anybody has something to say to me, they can say it to my face."

I found myself in a distressing situation recently. It all began with a heated argument, after which I chose to walk away to avoid any further conflict. However, I was repeatedly provoked with hurtful remarks, including being told that I needed to be hospitalized and take medication. I eventually decided to contact the police for assistance. Even though the police did not find it necessary to make an arrest, the program manager relied on the accounts of two other individuals and asked me to leave the building. I was then subjected to uncomfortable questions about mental health and suicidal thoughts, self harm, or being a threat to others. The police, after consulting with their sergeant, confirmed that I had not been the aggressor and that I had been calm and cooperative throughout the ordeal.

Despite this, I was terminated from my position following an investigation conducted by the program director. As a result, I had to leave the hostile environment, leaving behind all my food, belongings, including art supplies, school supplies, clothing, shoes, and bedding and more. I have been struggling to find alternative housing, as most programs have closed waiting lists or are not currently accepting new applicants. On top of this, I am also a student trying to complete the fall semester, and it has been incredibly challenging to focus on my studies without a stable place to live.

I had a conversation with my former case worker, and she strongly suggested that I seek legal assistance on Friday, October 4th, 2024 for an administrative appeal.

I reached out to my institution for assistance and spoke with several key individuals. Thankfully, everyone has been incredibly supportive. As a result, I've been granted temporary accommodation in the institution's apartments.

As a student of this institution, I acknowledge the requirement to make a payment. I need to receive support as I pursue the Medical Doctor career pathway. I believe it's crucial to use my voice and assert my rights, not only as a Young Black Woman but also as a student.

I am advocating not only for myself but also for other individuals who will be in a similar position in the future. While my institution is doing its best to support me, I am also reaching out to seek help from the community. I am currently in need of temporary or permanent housing as I have a year and a half left to complete my degree.

I believe that with the help of generous donations, I can overcome this challenge. Any support provided will be immensely valuable and greatly appreciated.

The funds donated will be allocated to cover a range of essential needs such as purchasing hygiene products such as sanitary items, socks, deodorant, soap, school supplies, providing nutritious and balanced meals, ensuring access to transportation appointments, procuring warm winter clothing such as jacket, hat, and gloves, and contributing to housing expenses.

Your generous support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

-Keisha Walker