Craig's Urgent Need: Past Due Bills & Rent Relief (Eviction)

Hello, My name is Craig Catapano, I am 59 years young and I am from Long Island, New York. I currently live in southwest Austin, Texas since late fall 1999. I am very humbly seeking public assistance after a series of recent challenges that over several months have been very difficult to overcome. I now find myself in serious need to ask strangers and friends for help during this Holiday Season. This is very humbling experience for me, as I live alone, work two jobs and take full responsibility for my life as an adult. I am divorced, single with no children and no pets.

My situation is this:

I am a full time Professional Chauffeur in Austin, Texas since Spring 2023. As an full time Independent Contractor, I am earning fully HALF of what I was told i would earn when I was interviewed with my current company. Therefore, with expenses such as a expensive commercial insurance policy, tolls, gas, car washes, airport fees, car repairs, oil changes, 33% commission paid directly to the company, compounded with business volume being HALF what i anticipated, I am completely struggling to pay bills and keep a roof over my head.

Working a 2nd job in Rideshare evenings has given me fuel and food money to keep going but something threw it off.....

After two other Major incidents of $2,000 or more in sudden SUV repairs this year, last Friday December 6, 2024 my power steering fully failed while driving 3 passengers in my work SUV. Thank God no one was injured or killed. A very detailed work incident report was required. My vehicle is now sitting in the a local shop requiring $3,500 in Major Repairs. Without my SUV running, I am effectively unemployed at BOTH jobs.

To make matters worse, I am currently $10,954.00 behind on rent. I am on a month to month lease on a small home I rent in southwest Austin since October 1, 2014.

I know it's Christmas/Hanukah season 2024, but I really really need your help. After borrowing $2,500 in November for overdue engine repairs to pass emissions and Texas State inspection for annual car registration, I now have no effective other means to borrow MORE.

Thank you very much for donating what you can, The first $2,000 will pay for a NEW Electric Assisted Rack and Pinion Assembly which requires a full 3 business days to be specially ordered from who knows where. Then one day to install it and test drive it. So I am looking at a total 2-3 WEEKS of lost wages. Not good.

Please share this GoFundMe with your friends, family and colleagues via social media. ANY amount helps.... $1, $5, $20 and beyond.

[Edit 3/17/2025]

I got my SUV back the first week of January 2025, was then terminated from my Executive Chauffeur position with no explanation. I updated my resume' and began looking for new full time work while driving rideshare.

Monday March 10, 2025 I was terminated from my rideshare position. I received a notice to vacate eviction notice. Bills, Loans, Car payment, Car Insurance, utilities are all behind. I have never had this much adversity in my life.

I am currently fully unemployed and seeking a well paying Professional Chauffeur Position in the Austin, Texas area and some temporary work since I currently have no income and no savings.

May the Angels bless you and your family and bring you much abundance for helping me.

In Love and Light,

Craig Catapano

Contact me via GoFundMe