www.piss.gov

I've been working as a frontline social worker serving people experiencing homelessness and at-risk youth for seven years. During that time, I've never taken more than a week off work, even when I was hospitalized with Type 1 diabetes.

Right now, I'm struggling in ways that I haven't before. I'm struggling to accomplish work tasks, to empathize with my clients, and to show up every day to be a support. I am exhausted, experiencing severe burnout. My clients are vulnerable people, often other trans people, and I simply can't provide them the care they deserve while I'm in this state.

I've taken emergency mental health leave to address burnout, suicidal ideation, and substance use. My state's paid leave program is a wonderful resource, but payments can take time, as long as a month from today when I file. Until then, I'm worried about covering rent, groceries, and other basic expenses.

I don't want to return to full-service sex work to bridge that gap. It has been traumatic for me, and doing so again would mean putting myself back into situations I've worked hard to leave behind.

If you're able to help, your support will help me keep a roof over my head, buy groceries, and give me the time to recover without having to earn money in ways that are painful or dangerous for me.

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