Recently I have had the honor of working with local organizations and community members to combat Veteran homelessness. It is an amazing feeling when community members ask for my opinion and assistance in the matter. Without hesitation I agreed to help in any way possible. I have no personal experience of being homeless, my life has been filled with blessings and loved ones who were always there to pick me up when I was down. Personal actions on my part could have very easily lead me down a path of becoming homeless and I never take the roof over my head for granite.
The past few weeks have been filled with phone calls, emails, text messages and meetings all focused on helping others. Lately the thought of being able to help and choosing not too has been the driving force; my personal motivation to help in any way possible. I am not a rich man, like many other Americans, I live paycheck to paycheck. So I can not just cut a check to do my part in helping others. What I can bring to the table is my personal experience of over coming obstacles in life and extensive knowledge of the Department of Veteran Affairs programs, benefits and regulations. It would be safe to say the organizations and veterans I am helping have asked for my input because I can navigate through the complex maze of Federal and State benefits. By no means do I consider myself an expert in the various programs, thankfully I know people who are experts.
So today I am thankful for everything I do have in my life; including a roof, family, friends and my health. Today I am most thankful for the opportunity I have to help others. I am thankful for the situations that have led me down this path.
Remember, donating money is amazing and always helpful. If you can not donate, there is nothing wrong with that. There are many other ways YOU can help others in your community.
