We Strive To Network Constantly/in /by

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

We were visited by someone from our local USO office. He was working with a veteran that had just been able to secure housing. The USO was searching for furnishings for the veteran when someone called to tell them that they wanted to donate a house full of furnishings. This was perfect timing for the veteran. Just one big problem, no way to pick up the items.

This is why the USO rep came to us. We were able to rent a truck for them to move the furnishings. We strive to network constantly to develop the best solutions for those that we serve, the American Veteran.

Bill Was From a Previous Tenant/in /by

We bring the “Case of the Week” to you from our home office in Liberty Township Ohio.

A veteran came to us concerned with a problem regarding his water bill. He moved to a new location. After moving in, he was hit with a very large water bill that he was unable to pay. He contacted the water company and told them it couldn’t be his bill since he had just moved in. The water company rejected his idea. The water ended up being shut off. He then came to Veterans’ Outreach for help. He met with Bob, our Services Director. Bob got in touch with Congressman Ryan’s office and other local agencies. While things were getting sorted out, which took a couple of weeks, we allowed the veteran to fill jugs, bins, buckets, and whatever he had with our water here at our building using an outside hose outlet. I saw him come by for water several times. The water company finally did agree that most of the bill was from a previous tenant. We helped him pay his bill, and now he doesn’t need to come by to fill his vehicle with water vessels. Now he can move on to living his life.

Off to a New Start/in /by

Our Florida wanted to share this case as our “Case of the Week”.

A veteran called on the recommendation of the Homeless Veterans Assoc.  He left Colorado to pursue 3 employment possibilities in the Sarasota area.  There were problems along the way, his car broke down in Alabama. He found out that he needed a new transmission, the cost would be $2200, but the care was only worth $1200.

He got a ride from a trucker (who did a quick background check before allowing him to ride!).  Initially, he was able to cover his living expenses, but ran out of money and became homeless.  Two of the three local job possibilities didn’t work out, but he had an encouraging response from a Tampa golf club who would “get back” to him.

On his second night sleeping on the street he was assaulted and robbed. He did get a break when the Tampa club he would have a job if he could get there.

That’s where Veterans’ Outreach came in. He asked for bus fare and hotel room. We covered both and rounded up to some additional funds for food and living expenses.  The veteran is off to a new start and swears he will be a serious donor to Veterans’ Outreach.

Complete Restocking of his Refrigerator/in /by

This week, we want to share a “Case of the Week” from our Sarasota, FL office as told by Regional Manager Bob Graham.

A Veteran resident in Orange City, Volusia County was a victim of Hurricane Matthew. He was evacuated from his mobile home and when he returned he was without power. It had been down for 4 days, all his refrigerated food had spoiled.  The complete restocking of his refrigerated was not in the budget, as he lives on Social Security Disability.  His VA Case Manager suggested he call Veterans’Outreach for any possible help. We will send money so that he can eat again – he and the Case Manager are very pleased for the assistance!

He Had Lost Everything/in /by

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/in /by

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/in /by

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/in /by

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/in /by

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.

Exposed To Agent Orange/in /by

This week, we want to share a “Case of the Week” from our corporate office in Liberty Township OH.

Bob Julian, our Services Director, visited with a veteran that was referred to us by the local Veterans Service Commission. This man is a Vietnam veteran exposed to Agent Orange. He is suffering with lung cancer right now, taking chemo treatments. His gas has been shut off in his residence.

Bob called the gas company and was able to reduce the required payment from $400 to $200. Then Bob called several other agencies for more help for this veteran and got the same answer everywhere – all out of funds. Then one of them told him there is just one place that might help – Veterans’ Outreach. When the man realized that Bob was calling from Veterans’ Outreach, he generously extended his gratitude for all that we do.

Then Bob called Protestant Family Services and they agreed to help this veteran. In collaboration with them, we were able to get the gas turned back on. In just a matter of minutes, we were able to respectfully help make this veterans’ life a little easier.