A former teacher who lived out of his car in a California town received a check for $27.000 after a former student organized an online fundraiser.
Teacher Jose Villarruel of Fontana had worked in a number of schools for decades, but after Covid-19 forced schools to close he decided it was time to leave the profession.
After resigning his pension could not cover his outstanding debts forcing the former teacher to live in his car.
Villarruel told Fox11: “When the situation at the school completely changed I thought the job of a substitute teacher was completely over. In May I submitted my resignation. I managed to do all the paperwork and arrangements to get my pension.”
About his experience living in the car he added: “My body has already adapted to sleeping in the seat. The car serves me as a means of transportation, a dining room and a bedroom."
Villarruel's former student, Steven Nava, met him last week while he was sitting in the car and decided to set up a fundraiser.
He said: "I looked at him almost every day and that made me talk to him and understand his situation."
"I was upset about the reality created by the pandemic and how teachers have been out of work. Seeing one of your teachers live like that makes you want to help him," added the student.
After initially handing Villarruel $300, Nava set up a GoFundMe account in order to help the former teacher.
Donations for Villarruel had reached $27.480.
“This fundraiser is to help him make it financially and get back to normal life. Any help is appreciated, thank you God bless you,” says Nava.
In a TikTok video posted on Mr. Nava's account, Villarruel said he was now staying in a hotel.
When the students gave him the check, Mr. Villarruel said he couldn't believe what had happened.
"My initial thought was 'Am I dreaming?' I still can't believe it,” he said.
"The biggest feeling I have now is an obligation to do more for the world and I will find a way to do it," Villarruel concluded.
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