On December 14, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office carried out an “eviction” on Vallejo’s largest unhoused encampment. In the days leading up to this, the City, along with a questionably effective non-profit organization, scrambled to figure out where people would go despite having known of the planned displacement for over a year.
While several folks were afforded entrance into the poorly named and managed “Project Roomkey,” which will only shelter folks for 60 days with no long term plans thereafter, the only transwoman of the encampment was conveniently placed LAST on the list. With no available rooms on the day of the sweep, Remy received a "sorry you fell through the cracks" and was left to push on her way, with us (comrades from Vallejo for Racial Justice and Vessels of Vallejo) scrambling to do what we could to keep her sheltered.
Though we were able to fundraise enough to get Remy a hotel room and then an extension, hoping to buy time for her to gain access to Project Roomkey; we are now no longer under the misguided notion that Remy will get shelter via this poorly planned and executed "project.” We humbly ask for your support to help Remy on her journey to safe, stable housing and care.
Remy, an unhoused 24 year-old Black and Latina trans woman, has been self-sufficient since the passing of her mother when she was 16. She has navigated through the foster care, healthcare, and justice systems,all of which have worked against her right to life, dignity, and happiness; however through all this, Remy has exemplified the epitome of Destiny's Child "Survivor" ethos, maintaining a "can do, will do" attitude.
Remy has managed to build amazing fortitude in the face of transphobic and heteropatriarchal systems that continue to fail her. Though she has been confronted by multiple oppressive systems actively working—as designed—to further dehumanize her, Remy still maintains an air of hope and laughter. While we are rallying to support her, she has equally taught us so much about life and community. In Remy's words, "There's more of us out there, I know it. And when I can get my s*** together, I want to build with them, too".
In the face of all she has to do for herself, she still wants to build community with others. The hope and resilience to which we all aspire in life. We want to help her build!
Please help us raise money that will go towards the following in this order:
- Extended stay in a hotel room
(Unfortunately, hotels are not sustainable, however, we will always follow
Remy's lead on what she'd like to do)
- Meds
- Longer term housing (ideally a
studio)
- Therapy
- HRT
We will keep careful track of all donations and receipts to maintain transparency. Rest assured 100% of funds donated will go directly to helping Remy on her journey. Additionally, any information about resources for transgender women within the North and East Bay Area would also be greatly appreciated.
We keep us safe!
#BlackTransLivesMatter
