John De La Hoz has 5 kids.
He worked as a bellman at the Faena Hotel on Miami Beach and was furloughed 2 months ago.
He had $5,000 saved. Now he has $100.
Unemployment money has not hit his account yet, and despite calling 100 times, he missed the cut off for rent assistance.
He worked as a bellman at the Faena Hotel on Miami Beach and was furloughed 2 months ago.
He had $5,000 saved. Now he has $100.
Unemployment money has not hit his account yet, and despite calling 100 times, he missed the cut off for rent assistance.
John told me before COVID-19 he was living his best life. The tip money was at the Faena was great -- he said he went home with hundreds in cash and things were especially great around the Super Bowl. Things were really looking up and he was excited to save the $5000.
John has not paid rent in 2 months. He has been in contact with his landlord and says as soon as the unemployment money comes in, all of it will go to the landlord. In the meantime, he tried to get jobs at the Walmart and Walgreens near him, but was told they are not hiring.
What was so amazing about meeting John is how positive he was. He is trying to stay strong for the kids. When I asked him about how hard it is -- he started talking about the home school situation/zoom classes for the kids.
I asked him what happens if the unemployment does not come and he can't find a new job until the hotel reopens. The worst case scenario is John says he will take the 5 kids and move in with a family member. Finding a new place to live he says is hard with 5 kids.
And even when the hotel reopens - he is worried about the tip money which is how he made most of his money. There will likely be occupancy restrictions and not as many hotel guests.
Thanks to everyone who has reached out to me wanting to help John. I have forwarded him your contact info - and there are already some positive developments thanks to you guys. I'll be updating with another story soon.
