After Navy Veteran Robert and his family ended up living in their car, Father Joe’s Villages gave them the services they needed to get back on their feet.
Dear friend,
Did you know that 115 people who were homeless died on the streets of San Diego last year? This year, with the Hepatitis A outbreak and the opioid crisis, I am sad to think that this number will probably continue to rise. Some of those victims are Veterans of the United States Armed Forces–Men and women who risked their own safety and security to protect our freedoms now face a daily battle right here at home, on the streets of San Diego.
Our service men and women make sacrifices every day to secure American values. Now it is our job to help them secure a decent life for themselves and for their families.
You can make that possible by becoming a monthly donor.
The following story of Robert and his family illustrates the power your gift can have on the life of a Veteran.
When, Robert, a Navy Veteran, his wife Jolene and their three children were evicted from their home, they found shelter in their car.
The family got very little sleep—crammed together, uncomfortable and unsure of their safety from night to night. The family’s fear and exhaustion not only affected their parents’ stamina while looking for work, it also threatened their children’s education and healthy development.
Robert and Jolene knew their children needed a safe place to sleep and play, so that they could turn their attention back to looking for work. Finally, they found Father Joe’s Villages.
The compassionate and knowledgeable staff at Father Joe’s Villages helped the family enroll in our Rapid Rehousing program. While searching for housing, the family stayed in our emergency shelter for families—a respite from the anxiety and terror of sleeping in their car.
Hopeful and well-rested, Robert and Jolene both set out to find employment while our Housing Locators worked to help them find a home of their own.
After a few months of searching, Robert landed his dream job as a supervisor for a tech company. The position paid well and made it easier for our Rapid-Rehousing Team to help the family find housing.
After building a longstanding relationship with a landlord in the San Diego community, our Housing Locators were able to make the family’s dreams come true. In January, they moved into a five bedroom home—complete with a yard where the kids can play!
Jolene is now also working and the family remains stably housed, happy and safe.
After Robert dedicated himself to serving his country, Father Joe’s Villages was there when Robert and his family needed us most.
It is our donors that make these programs possible. We can’t do it without you. Donate now to honor our nation’s Veterans.
When we asked Robert what support he appreciated most, he tearfully replied:
“It’s amazing to me how many people are out there—the stuff, but also all of the donors—who care about me and my family enough to donate their time and money. It’s—breathtaking.”
The generosity of donors like you made it possible for Robert and his family to find a real home.
YOU make it possible for our Veterans to come home and enjoy the safety and hope they so selflessly fought to preserve.
By donating as little as $10 a month, you can turn your compassion into action.
Help our Veterans find their way home. Together, we can end veteran homelessness one life at a time.
Yours in God’s Service to our Neighbors in Need,
P.S. San Diego is facing a public health emergency and our homeless neighbors are suffering most of all. It’s time to take action. Join Father Joe’s Villages’ emergency response to homelessness in San Diego. We need YOUR support to continue saving lives.
