When Bad Things Happen to Good People: Help Roy Rebuild

For those of you who know me, you know I believe deeply in karma and fairness/equity. So when I see bad things happening to a good person—especially someone who’s done nothing but try his best—I can’t just sit on the sidelines.

That’s why I’m starting this GoFundMe for my friend Roy, who lives outside Chicago in Niles, IL. I met him through a mutual friend, and right away, I could tell he was one of the good ones. Roy is a computer and network genius—seriously brilliant. But more than that, he’s kind, patient, and generous with his time. He even helped my 12 year old son build a computer over FaceTime, walking him through every step like a pro and a big brother all in one.

Yes, Roy's a good person, but he's been hit with one hardship after another: job losses, a car accident, a victim of predatory lending, housing instability, even violence. He's doing his best, but he needs help to get back on his feet.

When bad things happen to good people… Roy's story in his words

Hi, my name is Roy.

In 2019, after waiting over 11 years for my visa to be approved, I finally moved to the United States—the culmination of a dream I held onto for more than a decade.

But just a few months later, the world changed. COVID-19 hit. And the dream I worked so long to achieve slowly began to unravel.

Trying to Build Something from Nothing

I worked hard to get on my feet. I learned the U.S. credit system the hard way—taking out loans and credit cards to build a score, only to find myself deeper in debt, even after making every payment on time.

Eventually, I landed a decent job making $64,000/year. I finally felt like I was catching a break. I financed a reliable car, a 2020 Mazda 3, to handle my commute. Life felt like it was heading in the right direction.

But just 10 months in, while driving home, I got a call from HR.

I was being let go—no warning, no signs—just a “business decision.”

One month’s severance. And I had to start all over again.

A Series of Blows

I found another job with a UK-based company doing Senior Network Support, while helping my mom who had returned to the UK after a divorce. Unfortunately, I discovered that the money I had been sending her to help with bills… wasn’t actually being used for that. It shattered my trust and left me financially exposed and suffocating in debt.

I had to move again, found a place through a coworker, and eventually got out of my car loan. I was trying—really trying—to dig out.

Then, another blow: a car accident.

A driver swerved around a stopped car just as I was pulling out. I still believe it wasn’t my fault, but my insurance blamed me. They canceled my policy, and now my rates have tripled. Reliable transportation is once again a huge burden.

Still, I kept going. But after raising concerns about internal issues at work, I was let go again. I was told it was just another “business decision.” Unemployment told me I had to wait 8 weeks to receive anything.

So I turned to DoorDash. I worked non-stop. Made platinum status. Covered rent, bills, and food. It wasn’t sustainable, but it kept me afloat.

Most Recently…

The house I was renting was sold, and I was told I need to move by April 10th. Rent prices are now sky-high—$1,600/month for just 750 sq ft.

I found a new job (thankfully), but I won’t be paid in time to afford the move.

Out of desperation, I reached out to my stepdad for a loan to cover the gap.

Instead, he attacked me—tried to strangle me three times. He was arrested and is now facing felony charges. Since then, I’ve had to go to court and live with the trauma of that moment on top of everything else.

I haven’t been able to DoorDash since. I tried taking out a loan, but the repayment terms were triple what I borrowed—so I returned it.

My One Constant

Through all of this, my cat has never left my side. She’s been my emotional anchor, sensing every high and low. Her love and comfort are a big reason I’m still pushing forward.

I’m not asking for a handout. Just a little help to get through this next hurdle—covering moving expenses, rent, and the bare essentials to get back on solid ground.

Even if you can’t donate, thank you for reading.

Writing this has helped ease my anxiety just a bit.

With gratitude,

Roy