Trans-refugee trying to get a hold of life in a new state.

I'm Kora (she/her), a silly and fun trans woman from the "sweaty armpit" of West Texas, who has been facing the many of the difficulties of being Transgender brings with it. After being laid off and experiencing rejection from my family upon coming out as a transgender woman, I made the courageous decision to start anew in Minneapolis. Over the past year, I've made significant strides in rebuilding my life, but the challenge of homelessness persists. When not receiving help from very small, but trustworthy, support network I've found here, I had been sleeping in my vehicle for over a year now. Unfortunately, earlier this October, I was in a car accident and, while thankfully everyone involved was uninjured, my car is no longer able to legally be on the road.

Originally, I had asked funds to directly contribute to covering my essential expenses and save enough to afford a place to rent. While that goal was not reached, the vital and valuable help I have received from those that were in a position to, was crucial and played a major role in my ability to continue to persevere. Thank you.

Due to that recent downturn in my circumstances, I am have decided to update my goal, and once again ask you for your help. Your donations will help me purchase a suitable, safe, and road-legal vehicle and will allow me to once again continue to save towards finding a safe place for me to rent. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference in rewriting the next chapter of my life.

Some more about me and how I got to where I am:

For the past several years, I've dedicated myself to caring for an elderly family member while navigating the challenges of my life. When the pandemic hit, my job as a limo/event bus driver vanished, thrusting me into a cycle of odd jobs and delivery driving to make ends meet, all while grappling with sobriety and mental health battles.

In early 2023, just before celebrating my one-year sobriety milestone (Mar. 17), a stroke of luck led me to a job as an in-house graphics artist, despite my lack of formal training. Around the same time, I summoned the courage to publicly embrace my true identity as a trans woman at the age of 28. My luck had appeared to finally turn around until it came time to come out to my family. The reaction from my family to my coming out was not just unsupportive, but downright devastating.

On top of all that, the same week, news of our company's acquisition surfaced, resulting in mass layoffs, including myself. What followed were weeks of despair, culminating in my voluntary admission to an inpatient psychiatric facility for nearly 11 days. It was there that I confronted the reality of starting afresh, with no savings and nowhere to call home.

In the midst of this upheaval, I made the bold decision to relocate to Minneapolis, drawn by its reputation for inclusivity and opportunities. On July 8th, after an emotionally turbulent journey, I arrived in Minneapolis, setting up temporary residence in a Walmart parking lot.

Over a year has passed since then, marked by both challenges and victories. Securing healthcare for the first time, beginning my medical transition, and committing to therapy have been significant milestones. I've also made strides in improving my physical health, securing meaningful part-time employment, and formulating plans for stable housing.

However, the specter of homelessness still looms large. Despite my best efforts, living out of my car has proven to be a constant struggle. High food and gas expenses, coupled with unforeseen car repairs, have hindered my progress towards securing permanent housing. And now, with my car wrecked, I have even less stable ground to build upon, and have been under considerable strain to lift myself up out of this situation. While Minnesota offers a range of social services, many are tailored to specific demographics, leaving individuals like myself without adequate support.

Last March, I celebrated my two-year sobriety milestone, a testament to my resilience and determination. Despite my current circumstances, I remain steadfast in my commitment to this journey of self-discovery and authenticity. My time here has created a real desire to not only survive, but to thrive here and set down roots in the vibrant community already here. Your support, both in words and actions, will not only be appreciated but will also propel me forward as I embark on the next chapter of my life.

Thank you for considering my story and extending a helping hand during this challenging time.