My name is Blessed Adodo and I am asking for help to save my family and my future. I am seeking $23,762 to prevent eviction, secure safe and stable housing, and help my family and I rebuild after I was held in ICE custody for nearly two months despite having followed the law and applied for my Green Card. My application was pending at the time ICE officers detained me in Dillon, Montana, last December.
I never thought I would be asking for help, and it’s not easy for me to do–it’s actually soul-crushing. But as much as I believe in standing on my own and working hard to achieve my goals, I also believe in the strength of community. I have to believe there are good people willing to step forward to help a fellow
human being get back on his feet after the unthinkable.
I came to America as a Nigerian immigrant and got my legal education to fulfill my dream of becoming a lawyer. I worked tirelessly to prepare myself to take the bar exam while also providing for my wife and 6 year-old son. It sounds silly, but it really was the American Dream – working hard day in and day out to give myself and my family more opportunities. But I lost my transportation business after I was held in an ICE facility in Tacoma, Washington for seven weeks. During that time, I was kept in brutal, traumatic conditions that I would never wish on another human being. I was consumed by constant fear and the devastating realization that I might be separated from my family. Everything I had worked so hard building over several years began to fall apart. In the span of one year, I lost my business, my financial stability, and nearly my freedom.
My commercial truck, which was my primary source of income for my business, was impounded and accumulated significant fees that I can no longer afford to pay. Without income, I fell deeply behind on rent and am now facing eviction. My personal vehicle is in repossession, and my credit is ruined. For over a year, I have not been able to pay a full month’s rent. I have been unable to financially support my family the way I always have, which kills me a little bit more each day. But I can’t give up–I had already come so far when this horrible nightmare started.
I now need to raise $23,762 to get myself and my family afloat and get back on track. The funds will be used for:
Housing & Rent Arrears – $14,110
To prevent eviction and secure stable housing. I am currently working with Keep People Housed in Oakland to help me with my rent, or part of it, and
my application has been submitted. I am still waiting on their response.
California Bar Examination – $3,167
- Registration for attorney applicants: $310
- Application to take the Bar Examination: $1,650
- Moral Character Application: $1,054
- Laptop fee: $153
- Bar Prep (Premium Program) – $2,599
- Bar Exam Tutoring – $70 per hour
Family Support – $3,886
- Father’s medical expenses: $1,567
- Support for my son: $579.75 weekly.
Living Needs & Stability
- Temporary housing, storage for belongings, and trauma counseling services to help me process the physical and emotional impact of this past year.
My goal is not just to survive this moment but to rebuild. I want to secure stable housing, complete the California Bar Examination, and return to a position where I can provide for my family and give back to others who face hardship. Any amount you can give, no matter how small, will make a difference. If you are unable to donate, it would mean the world if you could share this campaign or offer a prayer and words of encouragement.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. .
With gratitude,
Blessed Adodo
Organizer
