“It Gave Me Time to Breathe”: How Short-Term Housing Helped Valencia Rebuild

Born and raised in Jamaica, Valencia knew from a young age that living openly as a transgender woman placed her at risk.  

“I was not hiding my identity,” she explains. But visibility came at a cost. She faced repeated discrimination and violence. After surviving multiple attacks, she made the decision to leave. 

“I decided to come to Germany to be safe,” she shares. 

The asylum process proved difficult and exhausting. She spent her early months in Germany in a refugee camp, alone and far from family. “It was very stressful in the beginning,” she recalls. “I had to make a choice. Either I go back and die, or I stay and try to build a life here.”

She chose to stay. 

Over time, she began rebuilding. In Germany, she was able to access hormone therapy and complete gender-affirming medical care — treatment she could not pursue before. “I had the opportunity to become who I am,” she says.  

Last year, Valencia’s housing situation became unstable. Living in shared accommodation with more than a dozen other people, she began experiencing transphobia from those around her. At the same time, she was navigating mental health challenges and financial strain.   

“I was hopeless as to where to go,” she says. “I was looking for housing like crazy, and I couldn’t find anywhere.” 

Despite living in what Valencia describes as a “first-world country,” transphobic discrimination remained a barrier, especially when it came to housing. Prospective landlords stopped responding. Housing options disappeared.  

“I kept asking myself, what would I do? If I didn’t find something, what would happen?”  

In that moment, Valencia searched online and found ORAM. 

Through ORAM’s emergency short-term housing program, supported by Airbnb.org, Valencia was able to relocate for one month to safe, temporary housing. The stability allowed her to focus on next steps rather than immediate survival. 

“The program tremendously assisted me,” she says. 

ORAM also connected Valencia with local organizations in Germany that specialize in supporting LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers. Through those referrals, she secured placement in a longer-term safe housing program where a social worker is now helping her navigate documentation, job center requirements, and the search for permanent accommodation. 

“It was because ORAM gave me the necessary information,” she says. “If it wasn’t for the program, I don’t know what I would have done.” 

Valencia is candid about the limitations of the one-month housing ORAM can provide. One month passes quickly, especially during holiday periods when many offices are closed. But she is equally clear about the difference that month made. 

“My frame of mind is much better than where it was before,” she says with a smile. “I’m not 100 percent okay. But I am in a better place.” 

Today, Valencia is rebuilding and planning for the future. She hopes to secure her own apartment soon, continue working, and eventually return to school or start a business.  

“I just want to live a normal life,” she says. “Work. Have a family. Contribute back to German society in a positive way.” 

She also hopes to become an advocate for younger transgender women — particularly those who feel isolated or hopeless. 

“Everybody deserves a second chance,” she says. “Or even a third.” 

Without a secure place to stay, accepting employment, attending appointments, or focusing on mental health becomes significantly harder. With it, options expand. 

“The program is very vital,” she says. “It helps create a little safe space and gives you time to sort things out.” 

“I want to take the opportunity to thank ORAM,” she says. “For assisting me, even for that short period. It helped me move toward permanent housing.” 

Valencia is moving forward step by step.  

Your support makes safe, short-term housing possible for LGBTIQ asylum seekers rebuilding their lives. 

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