The sad link between Veterans Homelessness and Fatherless Homes
When people ask me who my parents were I’ve always replied “a hard working nurse and Uncle Sam”. This is because I grew up in a fatherless home like so many others in the Orlando area. I like to think I turned out okay. But that can’t be the case.Continue Reading
Many Florida employers don’t want to hire homeless veterans
It’s painful, observing all sides of the spectrum of how our communities treat veterans. On one hand, there are the parades and ceremonies where everyone wants to get involved. Many of our elected officials will grow sharp elbows to be included in the photographs. Big companies are happy to sponsorContinue Reading
The Florida Veterans Homelessness cycle defined
In my past life in politics and public affairs, I sat through plenty of briefings on veterans homelessness. I was always attentive and open. Then it happened to me. As you read these words, I’m struggling to find a stable place to live in the community I grew up in.Continue Reading
Homeless veterans can’t lean on military occupations the way they should
Do you know what my military occupational specialty (or MOS) in the Army was? Human Resources Specialist. Now, as you can imagine, the Human Resources field in the military is a completely different world than the private sector. In the Army, it was records management, ID cards, life insurance. InContinue Reading
The Toll Homelessness takes on the health of our embattled veterans
If you are homeless, you will likely get sick. It’s an additional head shaker on a tragedy for our homeless veterans and one I’m experiencing myself in Orlando. You will lose weight because you’re not eating well. You will experience a weakened immune system because of guarded sleep. You willContinue Reading
The solitude of Veteran’s Homelessness can make one lose hope
It’s ironic. During my time in politics, and during my time as a veteran struggling in the Orlando housing crisis, my point of views have been very different. There has be the public relations angle. Lawmakers patting themselves on the back at press conferences and committee hearings. This isn’t aContinue Reading
For older homeless Vets, trade schools can save futures
When you’re an older struggling veteran, you need to be put in a position where you can begin earning as quickly as possible. As much as we love to hype up holistic services, the only thing that will get you off of the street is money. The best way toContinue Reading
In 2024, the Military to Civilian Veterans transition is still a deeply flawed process
Do you want to know why most of my troubles have occurred post military? I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t know what was waiting for me. I didn’t know what the resources were and what I had to do to protect my future. And now I’m hurting along with so manyContinue Reading
Boasting VA Social Media can be painful for hurting veterans
When you’re a veteran struggling to find a home, you’re scouring the internet looking for data. Something. Anything. That can help get a roof over your head. And if you’re a veteran and considering taking your own life, then you’re on the phone looking for any reason to keep going.Continue Reading
The Housing Struggle in Orlando Week 3: No recovery in sight
Two weeks. That’s how long my latest fight in the Orlando housing crisis has lasted and there is no relief in sight. I’ve pushed the wagon as hard and as fast as I can go, but now its the process that won’t let me move any further. And that’s aContinue Reading