Life has a way of testing our limits, and sometimes, no matter how hard we try, the hurdles seem impossible to overcome alone. My name chosen name is Shaylee, and I’m a trans woman who has faced more challenges than I ever imagined possible. Today, I’m reaching out in the hope that someone might be willing to help me get through this difficult time.
Growing up, I never had the support or love that most people take for granted. My family made it clear that they couldn’t accept me for who I am, and the rejection cut deep. To escape the suffocating small town where I grew up, I joined the Marines. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the only way I could see to build a life for myself away from the toxic environment I was in. The Marines gave me an escape, but it came with its own set of challenges.
After my stint in the military, I found myself with little more than a sense of survival. I left the service with mental health concerns that took years to get under control, and a body that was in constant pain. The physical and emotional toll was immense, but I fought through it, determined to build a better life for myself.
I’m proud to say that I’ve come a long way since those dark days. I’ve managed to find a job, and I’m gainfully employed now. My mental health is stable, and I’ve worked hard to achieve about a 730 credit score. I’m doing everything I can to be self-sufficient and responsible, but despite all my efforts, the world is still an incredibly tough place to navigate alone.
The reality is, I have no family to turn to when I need help. I don’t have anyone who can step in and offer a helping hand when life’s challenges become too much to handle on my own. Right now, I’m facing a situation that I never thought I’d find myself in—I’m on the brink of homelessness. It’s not because I’m irresponsible or haven’t planned for the future. It’s simply because I can’t come up with the massive upfront costs that life demands.
I need help with a down payment on a car and a deposit on an apartment. Apartments I am seeing are about 1600 for a deposit, and I am going to need a 3-6 down to make a car fit my budget. These aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities that I need to maintain my job and secure a stable living situation. I can make the monthly payments on both, but the initial lump sums are beyond my reach. Without these, I will lose my job and be forced into homelessness. It’s a terrifying prospect, and one that I’m fighting with everything I have to avoid.
I’m doing everything right, but despite my best efforts, I’m stuck in a system that seems designed to keep me down. I’m not asking for a handout—I’m asking for a chance. A chance to get past these initial hurdles so I can continue building the life that I’ve worked so hard to create. Any support, no matter how small, would make an immeasurable difference in my life. It would give me the opportunity to secure a stable future and finally break free from the struggles that have held me back for so long.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m grateful for any help you can offer.