This veteran initiative is taking off to house Bay Area veterans. Veterans with subsidized housing assistance struggle in finding stable and affordable housing in an impacted market with rising costs. This is crucial to establishing sustaining employment and improving the lives of once homeless veterans.
Why is this work so vital? We have at least four reasons. These are a sample of veterans with VASH vouchers we are working to house:
- Timothy, 50, served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1979-1983. Timothy is currently living in a transitional housing facility for the homeless waiting to find a place of his own. He has two part time jobs. He works as a vessel assistant (he calls himself the AAA of the Bay) and works as a rope course instructor at SF State. He loves the outdoors and volunteers with National Park services. He also holds an AA in horticulture. Timothy struggles with PTSD, which is related to his military service. He has no family nearby, and although he has never been married he hopes to get married and have a family. Due to his work and love for the outdoors if at all possible, he would like to live near water such as the Marina, North Beach, Nob Hill, or Fisherman’s Warf.
- Earl, 72, served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1960. He was born in Georgetown, Illinois and is the middle child with four sisters. Both his grandfather and father were coal miners. Prior to falling into homelessness, he worked in life insurance sales, as a long shore fisherman, and a pipe fitter. He suffers from a several age-related health issues, including respiratory problems. Earl’s age and poor health make it very challenging for him to survive on the streets. He has been sleeping outside or in his car for almost four years. The most important thing in Earl’s life is his 25-year old daughter who attends Heald College. Earl hopes that his daughter, who helps care for him, will be able to live with him once he is housed with the voucher. Finding a nice safe place to live for his daughter and himself is Earl’s top priority.
- Charlie, 70, currently lives at Next Door Shelter. Charlie served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960-1961 during the onset of the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he started a family and attended a performing arts college. He was married for 25 years prior to his divorce and has four adult children. He served the City of San Francisco as a MUNI bus driver for 21 years. However, Charlie has been homeless for 22 years. Charlie is looking for a place to live in SOMA, Nob Hill or Japantown. He enjoys playing the piano, singing, and writing. Charlie also is beloved by his 90 year old mother who checks in on his well-being from time to time.
- Stephen, 54, served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger weapons expert. He is also trained in Rapid Speed Deployment for the FBI, Navy Seals, and CIA. Stephen grew up in the Santa Rosa area, went to college locally for two years and also worked as a carpenter. He would love to go back to work, but struggles with knee problems due to his time in service. He has a strong interest in astrology and his other hobbies are hiking, debating, chess, and political writing.
Get more information about SF Homes for Heroes at www.sfhomesforheroes.org or inquire below on our Contact form.
