He Had Lost Everything

This “Case of the Week” comes from our corporate office in Liberty, OH. A male veteran in his 60’s recently moved to this area. He had lost everything, and was living in his car.

He was referred to Veterans’ Outreach by the local Social Security office. He came here, and visited with Bob, our Services Director. His state of mind was very depressed, and really unable to determine a course of action to straighten out his current situation. Bob was able to advise him on the steps to take to get settled here and the resources available to him. Bob referred him to one of our contacts at the local VA and got him enrolled into the HUD VASH program. We helped him with food and gas for his car. He was able to find some clothing that would work for him.

He came back the following week, and his entire demeanor had changed. He was talkative, and had a real sense of hope for a future. Bob had given him guidance, he had followed it. HUD VASH had helped him with an apartment, we helped him with food and gas for his car. He maintains his car, as it is his only item that he owns. He was so insistent about finding a car wash to take care of it, our volunteer guided him to a place nearby. He left here with a spring in his step.

Walk In Wednesday

This week, for our “Case of the Week”, we want to tell you about a veteran that came to our Liberty OH office. She was brought to us by a Caseworker from another agency.

She came in on “Walk-in Wednesday”, which means it was a very busy day. We have an average of 50 – 60 veterans come to our office on Wednesdays as there are no appointments necessary to see our Services Director. The veterans wait in line and while waiting are able to look through our donated clothing and take whatever they like for free. We also have bags of donated food available for every veteran. As this veteran waited her turn, our volunteer noticed her sitting by herself. She talked with her, and learned that she was recently homeless, but now does have a place to live. She didn’t have clothing for the upcoming cold weather or any food. Our volunteer spent some extra time with her, found out her sizes and was able to find her a coat, hat, gloves, socks, and several pairs of shoes. We also fixed her up with a bag of food, then she visited with our Services Director who advised her on the next steps to take to get her life on track and also gave her a food voucher for a local grocer.

As she left our office, she was so grateful that someone cared enough about her to do these things for her. She expressed her gratitude, but we made sure that she knew how grateful we are for her service, and empathetic regarding her current situation. Makes you wonder, is she going through this rough time because of her time in the service and the things she saw or did? May God bless her.

Very Relieved Father

Today, our “Case of the Week” comes from the desk of Bob Graham, our Regional Manager in the Sarasota office.

A VA case manager way over on the East Coast suggested that one of his charges contact me – father of 5 children with his spouse expecting, can’t pay his water bill and is about to have it shut off.  I contacted the utility, guaranteed payment and the water stayed on – very relieved father who didn’t have to face a very full household with  no water!

From coast to coast in Florida, we are there to help veterans.

Coast To Coast We Are There To Help

Today, our “Case of the Week” comes from the desk of Bob Graham, our Regional Manager in the Sarasota office.

A VA case manager way over on the East Coast suggested that one of his charges contact me – father of 5 children with his spouse expecting, can’t pay his water bill and is about to have it shut off.  I contacted the utility, guaranteed payment and the water stayed on – very relieved father who didn’t have to face a very full household with no water!

From coast to coast in Florida, we are there to help veterans.

Basically Homeless

This week, we want to highlight the “Case of the Week” from our corporate office in Liberty Ohio.

A young veteran, recently discharged, moved back to this area due to illness in the family. A friend had told the veteran, his wife and young daughter that they could stay with them until they got on their feet. When they arrived, the living arrangement didn’t work out. They found themselves basically homeless. They went to Family Services in Warren for help. Family Services helped them get an apartment, and then referred them to us for more assistance. We were able to help them with food and several household goods. Items that had been donated to Veterans’ Outreach were exactly what the young couple needed most – a washer and dryer, chairs, dishes, table and chairs, desk, lots of clothing, and other miscellaneous items. They were so grateful. This young couple has a good start in this area due to the warm welcome from the community, and each have secured employment to hold on to their new footing here.