Hey there, I'm a 24-year-old girl named Erica and I'm struggling with homelessness because of addiction. I just got out of rehab and I'm determined not to turn to crime for money ever again. Life has been rough on the streets, recently I fell victim to a sexual assault and I’ve been robbed tons of times. I’m not very strong so defending myself isn’t easy, I’m always paranoid due to the ptsd I’ve developed from these encounters and sometimes I want to turn to drugs to cope with everything, but I'm trying really hard to stay clean. I used to be a good kid who got a bad deal in life, and I really believe I deserve another shot.

I've been through a lot—rehab, jail, and even close calls with death. I'm tired of it all and just want to survive out here in Saint Louis as the weather gets worse. I’m eating at soup kitchens and doing any odd jobs I can find, but it's tough without any resources. I don't have a phone, so I use library computers or borrow phones from friends.

I'm asking for help to get a phone and a stable place to live. This would help me keep my stuff safe and give me the foundation I need to rebuild my life. I’m proud to say I’m clean and sober and plan to stay that way.

Everyone has to start somewhere, and I'm starting from rock bottom. Please, help me climb out of this hell and work towards a better future. Any support you can offer would mean the world to me. Thank you.