In Need of Returning Home

Who are you and tell me about yourself?
My name is Neil Gonzalez and I'm from Baltimore, MD. I'm currently out of a full-time job and working part-time at Staples. 

What's your story?

Back in December 2016, I was terminated from my employer and was desperately looking for another job, specifically, a full-time job. In Febuary 2017, I've obtained part-time work at Staples and I am currently employed at Staples.

What is the reason for this campaign and why should I donate to your cause?

The reason for this campaign and that you should donate to my cause is because I'm honestly stressed out, especially with my financial situation. Last year or two, I had put myself in huge credit card debt and maxed out 5 out of 6 of my credit cards and I also have student loan payments that I have put on hold.  I had the ability to pay off one of my credit cards and pay my student loans every month, due to working full-time at my previous employer.  However, since I've lost that job in Decemeber 2016, I've been desperately looking for full-time work and even filed for unemployment, so that I can get some aid in allieviating some of my bills. A month later, after I filed for unemployment, I've been working part-time at Staples. This would be considered my first re-tail job and honestly, I enjoy the experience and my co-workers that I work with. But honestly, the income I bring home isn't enough to pay ALL of my bills. I'm only bringing home about $260 a week and then after saving up all of my paychecks within the month, it goes to majority rent ($200), auto loan ($233.51), car insurance ($105), phone bill ($35), BGE ($75), Comcast ($60) and 5 of my credit cards together ($150). I been looking for full-time work, so that I can work both a full-time job and a part-time job to pay off all of my debt but as you know, looking for full-time employment is difficult (especially when you get rejected for either being overqualified or don't meet the qualifications). And sometimes, it takes too long to hear back from an employer. I am well aware that my debt is solely my responsibility because I have gotten myself in this mess and it's my sole responsibility to get out of it, but as of recent, Unemployment has contacted me, stating that I owe $854.00 due to overpayment; again another bill! I spoke to my case manager about why I owe and she stated clearly that, "the overpayment wasn't your fault and that someone from the agency has entered incorrect wages from your previous employers." She also told me to file for an unemployment waiver, in which I did, stating why they should waive the overpayment. I gave them a statement that I'm not at fault and I didn't have any involvement in an overpayment. A few days later, my unemployment waiver got rejected and I get a billing statement of $854.00.


What are the donations being used for and why are you asking for $600?

The donations are being used to pay off my overpayment because I can't afford another monthly payment and I really want to just pay it off and cancel the unemployment services. I will just make it on my own. I shouldn't have to pay for something I didn't do. But of course, it states in the back of the billing statement that if I don't pay, legal action will take place. I'm only asking for $600 because I don't expect everybody to pay my whole entire bill. It wouldn't be right. If only I can pay off majority of it, it would relieve a lot of pressure on me. 

When is your deadline?

My deadline is at the end of July.  The billing statement states that I should make my first payment by 07/31/2017.