Hi friends,

I am writing because I am working with a small crew of people to gather support—material, financial, and social—for a 41 year old white trans woman in Houston. A friend of a friend sent Belle my way as she doesn't know anyone else here in H-town. She went into Texas prisons (unfortunately, male units) when she was 17 and has just gotten out 24 years later.

Belle is a lovely person. We've met in person, and she is incredibly kind and determined to make it. I'm looking forward to supporting her, as much as I am able. Belle is currently staying at a halfway house that is not queer or trans-friendly and where she does not feel comfortable being herself. The rent there to share a room is $750 per month. She has found a job but it is on the other side of town washing cars at used car lot for $300 per 6 days per week, 9 hours a day. She is on the bus at least 2 hours each way commuting to her job. Obviously, long-term, we want to support her to find another less exploitative job and other more queer/trans-friendly housing.

I'd like to assist her with a chunk of money (at least $1000) to help her get on her feet.

So the mutual aid asks are:

1) If you have funds you could share, please Venmo me at @plujo7 or Paypal or Zelle me at plujo7 at gmail dot com. Put Belle as subject please.

2) If you have any leads on jobs or rooms or LGBTQ halfway houses or housing options or LGBTQ-friendly re-entry programs, please let me know.

3) Especially if you are queer/trans and in Houston (but not exclusively), if you are available to give rides or be part of a support team, let me know.

We have to stick together and support each other as much as we can right now. We need each other.

If you donate or reach out, I can let you know updates and let you know when we hit the $1000 mark!

Thanks yall,

Jadine