Homeless veteran moves into first home in three years
December 19, 2016After sleeping in a rooming house, homeless veteran finds housing
December 19, 2016A homeless veteran living in the cold
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| John, a homeless veteran |
John Wheeler, a former Sgt. Platoon Leader in the Marines who served two terms in Vietnam, is living on the streets for the fifth winter in a row. He’s from Tell City, Indiana and now calls “Tent City” home. HVAF Outreach Worker Rodney Jackson tells us last year there were 17 people living in Tent City, but now there are only a handful of homeless individuals. John finds peace here and is living on the streets by choice.
“I got mad and took it out on society and walked away from my apartment and my job as a CPA,” says John, who suffers from PTSD. “It’s just me myself and I, and I like it this way,” adds John. “I took a tent out there and set it up and have five blankets to stay warm in the winter and I am happy. I really want to be out on my own.”
But, this isn’t enough to keep John off the radar. Rodney checks on him daily providing bottled water, food, hygiene items, boots, gloves, and other winter essentials. “Ever since I took this position in March,” says Rodney, “a day doesn’t go by when I don’t see John.” John has 6 kids and 8 grandkids living in Indianapolis who also visit him in Tent City and provide necessities. John also visits the Horizon House each week to do laundry.
HVAF provides outreach daily to those living out on the streets. Additionally, outreach hours at HVAF are every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 3:30pm for homeless veterans in need of clothing, hygiene and food.