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
Struggle against homelessness steals time from our veterans
“Life is too short to be struggling this way” That’s a thought I’ve had a few times, as I wade through the housing crisis here in Orlando to find stability. We spend so much time trying to survive, that the time is being stolen from the other wonderful things inContinue Reading
Struggling veterans watching the military struggle to hit recruitment numbers is painful
When I was 40, I tried to reenlist in the military. Over a decade and change after I got out. The recruitment office, the same one I went into when I was just a kid was far less excited this time around. When I turned 18, recruiters raced to myContinue Reading
It’s normal for veterans to dream about their past service
There was a discussion online recently regarding veterans dreaming about their prior service. There was a feeling of sadness tied to the dreams because many of us really miss our military service. If you ask me, I think it’s completely normal for veterans to dream about their past service. AsContinue Reading
Sunday Reflections: Two weeks of struggling in the Orlando housing crisis
Left with no options, I returned home and began to look for help in one of the worst hit markets of our housing crisis here in Central Florida. And once again became another homeless veterans statistic. Everyone wants to live here. The rent keeps rising. And there aren’t any policiesContinue Reading
For homeless veterans, the happier times can both be both helpful and hurtful
Whenever I meet a fellow struggling veteran, we tend to talk about the past. It’s a good second subject after discussing the challenges each of us our facing. It’s a double edged sword of an exercise. Yes, nostalgia can be euphoric. Who doesn’t enjoy thinking about the good times? YouContinue Reading
Struggling Orlando veterans are forgotten on most days of the year
The Veterans Day Parade in Orlando is a great thing. Organizations from all over the region march down the streets of downtown Orlando celebrating our brothers and sisters who served to protect freedom. It’s a beautiful sight to be seen. But after that parade and the meal specials, veterans inContinue Reading