I moved to Utah in 2024 with my daughter to save her life through the Intermountain Liver Transplant Program. Her surgery was successful, but now we face eviction and possible homelessness.
We spent all of our savings to move here, believing we would find stability and well-paying jobs. Instead, we have done nothing but struggle to survive, and no matter how hard I try to find work, there is no end in sight to the struggle. My daughter, who also has cerebral palsy, had to leave her job to recover. She was denied sick leave or support, and I live on a small disability stipend. Together, we cannot afford the rent increase at our apartment. Despite medical documentation, our property management company refused to provide accommodation because we did not fit their “criteria” for assistance. I believe we are being discriminated against.
I have reached out to state agencies and nonprofits, but the “help” offered has been ineffective — phone numbers don’t work, emails bounce back, and staff are dismissive. For families like mine, poverty and disability in Utah too often feel like a crime.
Our deadline to vacate is Sept. 15. I am urgently asking for help in finding safe, low-income housing so my daughter can continue her recovery without the trauma of homelessness.
Housing is not just a financial transaction — it is a matter of health, safety and human dignity.
Virginia E. King, Midvale
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