Support Garret’s Journey to Rebuild

Very few people know the full extent of the financial strain I’ve carried over the last several years. After a painful divorce, I walked away with significant debt and the full responsibility of raising two teenagers — completely on my own. I was laid off not long after and found myself supporting two households while trying to keep things stable for my sons.

To cut costs, I moved into a camper full-time, which helped for a while. Eventually, I was able to get back on my feet with a modest apartment in the city — something that gave me a real sense of stability again.

But just days before Christmas, I was laid off — effective December 20th — with only a small severance. Despite nonstop efforts, including interviews that went as far as CEO-level, I still haven’t secured another role. Four months in, I’ve completely run out of resources. I’ve had to give up my apartment, move back into my camper, and I’ll likely have to give up my truck soon too — all while still helping my kids and covering basic living expenses.

I’ve also been hit with unexpected and frustrating challenges. I haven’t been able to file my income taxes — something that could’ve helped me survive these last few months — because I’m currently entangled in an identity fraud situation. Someone fraudulently signed me up for an ACA health insurance plan while I had employer coverage, which created a tax conflict. The IRS refuses to accept my return until it’s resolved, and I’m now stuck in a slow-moving grievance process just trying to clear my name and access the refund I’m owed.

At this point, after consulting a lawyer, bankruptcy is my best path forward. The cost to file is about $2,000 — which is what this fundraiser is for. If I can cover those fees and get through the next few months, I can rebuild and come out the other side of this.

Adding to everything else, I recently tore my ACL and lost my health insurance as of April 1st. Surgery is off the table for now, and I’m relying on EBT just to cover groceries.

As I move forward with this path, I’ve been advised that in order to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, I need to keep my income very low over the next couple of months — which makes things even more challenging.

I’ve done everything I could to stay afloat on my own — and I’ll continue doing that. But if you’re someone who feels called to help, this fundraiser is here as a way to do that. Whether it’s through donating or sharing, I’m deeply grateful for the any support or encouragement. I know I’ll get back on my feet — and this is just a step toward that new beginning.