Support Aisha's Journey to Housing Stability & Safety

Hi, my name is Aisha. I’m a twenty six year old Black nonbinary queer person living in New York City. I’m a full time college student majoring in writing (journalism). I’m also an onscreen actress from independent and student films like Girl Blunt and a freelance production assistant. I’m reaching out to my online community to ask for financial support. I wasn’t given the opportunity to sustain regular income last year outside of a few freelance gigs despite interviewing for dozens of positions and filling out hundreds of job applications.

Subsequently, I’m facing harassment from my leasing office for my backpay total despite their knowledge of the lengths I’ve taken to obtain a One Stop Deal from NYC’s Social Benefits office (HRA). Despite having active cash assistance and meeting every criteria for help, I have been rejected every time I have applied for emergency housing assistance. My largest motivation to continue my education during the Fall 2024 semester was to secure a work study job since I was unable to obtain regular work through the failed job market as an experienced professional. As of the beginning of this year I’m a part time (~10 hrs/wk) early reading intervention tutor in an elementary school. Despite the challenges of struggling to pay for food, transportation and phone service (I’ve had no phone service since December and my phone line has been shut off), I was able to earn a 4.0 GPA and have been accepted into my college’s Honors Scholars program.

The funds I’m requesting will be used towards; making back rent payments as quickly as possible before I’m sent an eviction and become displaced, covering my share of utility bills, either reinstating my phone service with my current provider or paying for prepaid phone service, and covering transportation, hygiene products, over the counter medication & other survival costs as I continue to pursue my degree and seek additional resources from my college. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this request and for your future contribution.