Many people have lost their jobs due to the global pandemic. Some have had to resort to desperate measures in order to make a living. A handyman from Louisville, Kentucky named Robert Simpson is one such person. He went to great lengths in order to find work.

Robert stands at the side of the road for several days holding a sign.

Needing to make money, Robert stood by the side of the road for several days holding a sign that read:

“Handyman. 25 years exp. Need work.”

He was not looking for a handout, he was not looking for charity, he was looking to work. Robert included his phone number on the sign so anyone interested in his services could reach him.

Robert felt he had no other choice.

Robert is 64 years old and later explained to the media that his family had been living off a small monthly disability check he gets. The family stays in a hotel that costs between $55 and $60 per day. The disability check he gets is only for $1000 a month.

Before the pandemic, Robert would work odd jobs to make enough money to support his family.

Once the pandemic hit, those jobs dried up, however. Not only that, he lost the apartment he shared with his girlfriend and her 6-year-old son. Robert was in a desperate spot. Standing on a street corner with a sign asking for work was all he could think of to do.

“We have to pay rent every day, and it costs $55 to $60 to stay there, and I’m running short on money. Didn’t have work,” he said.

Robert heard nothing for several days.

Robert stood in the burning sun off Interstate 64 for several days without hearing anything. He couldn’t be sure if what he was doing would ever result in him getting work.

Then someone shared a photo of Robert and his sign to social media.

“This man was out on Hurstborne (Louisville, Ky) today. He isn’t asking for money, he just wants to work. If you know any businesses that may be in need of a handyman please pass his number on.”

Greenstar Home Remodeling sees the post.

Kyle Kark is the owner of Greenstar Home Remodeling and he saw the post about Robert. He jotted down the number on Robert’s sign and decided to text him. Kyle’s company does a lot of work renovating office spaces so someone like Robert could be quite useful to them. After texting with him, Kyle agreed to hire Robert.

Robert begins work with Kyle

Robert was thrilled to have been given the opportunity. He’d later say to media that he never even asked Kyle how much the job paid before agreeing to work for him.

“I didn’t even ask him what he was paying. I just came. And he’s been taking care of me ever since,” Robert said.

Kyle even picks Robert up every day and drives him back after work since Robert doesn’t own a car.

GoFundMe started for Robert.

Kyle also started a GoFundMe for Robert. The description of the page reads:

“Green Star Home has had the honor and privilege to work with Rob the Handyman today.

Though we will continue to help Rob and his family out when and where we can, we ask our community to also provide the much needed support.

Rob is a humble man and has not once asked for a dime he has not earned, but he and his family are without essential needs, such as a vehicle and a permanent place to stay, so it is Green Star’s hope that you will join us in supporting our neighbor Rob and his family by providing the funds needed to get him back on his feet.

We thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.”

Over $25,000 raised.

As of this writing, over $25,000 has been raised for Robert. This will help Robert and his family get back on their feet as he continues to work with Kyle.

“God bless you and your family. I am honored to help you to gain a fresh start. You are the best this Country has to offer! A real role model,” one donor wrote.

You can learn more about Robert and Kyle’s amazing story in the video below.

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Source: WDRB/GoFundMe