Background and Financial Hardship Statement
​Over the past 15 years, I have faced significant financial challenges due to extended periods of unemployment, family obligations, and health issues. Below is an overview of my situation:

Employment History and Income

• I experienced two extended unemployment periods of 18 months each between October 2009 and December 2014.
• After the first unemployment period, I worked at A\&P from March 2011 to October 2012, but was laid off during a corporate downsizing.
• In December 2014, I secured employment with NJCC Community Colleges and later moved to Hudson County Community College in January 2016.
• Since July 2014, I have worked a second job as an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, teaching 3–4 classes per year. I am only paid during semesters when I teach.
• Despite working two jobs, I live paycheck to paycheck and have no savings or assets.

Housing and Family Situation

• My family’s financial decline began in 2007 when my home was foreclosed. I incurred $17,000 in legal fees and depleted the limited equity to pay rent for 2½ years.
• After exhausting those funds, we were evicted and moved into my mother’s home in February 2010, where I lived with my ex-wife and three adult children for six years.
• In April 2015, I filed for divorce, which was finalized on December 4, 2015. I pay $1,500 per month in alimony.
• Since April 2016, I have shared an apartment with a friend and her two adult childre

Financial Obligations and Losses

• I filed for personal bankruptcy on August 31, 2010, which was discharged on December 3, 2010.
• All pension and savings were liquidated between 2001 and 2014 to cover living expenses and attempt to keep our home.
• Household furniture was lost in July 2012 when I could no longer pay storage fees.
• I have a federal tax liability of $67,996 from back taxes related to liquidating pension funds for living expenses. I am currently under an IRS hardship case.

Health Challenges

• I suffered a heart attack in July 2013 while uninsured, resulting in $200,000 in hospital bills. Care was provided through community health programs.
• In April 2014, I had a defibrillator installed, also covered by community health care.

Transportation

• My only vehicle is a 1995 Ford van with 136,000 miles, donated to me in 2014. It requires frequent repairs, and I cannot afford a replacement.

Current Situation

• I have no savings and continue to live paycheck to paycheck.
• Despite these hardships, I have always sought to help others whenever possible.

John R. Fugazzie