Hi, I'm Jamaal. I grew up in Louisiana and spent most of my young adult life there until Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. My two-story family home was completely underwater, and my parents and siblings lost everything except for a briefcase of pictures. I've had to create a new foundation and rebuild life from scratch. However, the scars of the past never seem to go away.

I was just notified of a wage garnishment from FEMA. This was in regards to assistance they stated was provided during Hurricane Katrina recovery, claiming that I owned the house that was demolished in the flood. I have fought this years ago, with proof that it was impossible for a young adult to own a family residence at that time, yet it appears that my appeals had no traction and have reappeared 20 years later. FEMA transferred this to a collections agency, which has now garnished my wages, with no notification or contact to me previously.

Though I thought the matter was cleared, I've been hit with a wage garnishment, with a total of $8719 due. After remaining expenses for medical and mental health, while cutting out most side activities, there isn't anything left to remain sustainable. To be hit with this 20 years after without any correspondence or any way to prepare is devastating.

I've dealt with wage garnishment before, but that was due to taking care of debts that I ignored a decade ago. I've finally taken care of all of that, so to be hit with the nightmares of the past again right as I'm finally getting my head above water is difficult to fight.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.