Tim Smith spent 26 years as an active duty servicemember in the Army. He fought in wars all over the world, including the most recent Iraq wars. After experiencing difficulties due to a lack of finances, Smith was grateful to receive a helping hand from a local program catering to homeless veterans.
Program rescues veteran from homelessness
Following his deployment, Smith returned to his hometown of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, where he made plans to stay with his family. He told Lehigh Valley Live that after a short period of time, limited space caused him to move out and sleep in his car. That is, until the Hope for Veterans program came to his aid.
The Hope for Veterans program is a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey and run by Community Hope. According to Community Hope, the program has provided housing and support services to over 2,000 veterans and their families. The outreach assistant, Kevin Cope, emphasized the importance of helping retired servicemembers find homes during life after military deployment.
"Sometimes, it's hard for a veteran to ask for help," Cope told Lehigh Valley Live. "Because they have great pride, it's hard to come forward and say, 'Look it, I'm at my wit's end. I need help.' There are a number of veterans out here that we've helped already, but there's a lot more work to do."
Smith was referred to Hope for Veterans by the Veterans Affairs office. He said that it was only a couple of days following his meeting with one of the program's representatives that he was searching for apartments.
Smith said that his case manager, Janet Swanson, was the reason he got his place so quickly, telling the news source that when landlords would delay a showing, she would manage to change their minds to ensure that he had a place to stay as soon as possible. He noted that her can-do attitude was encouraging and inspiring. She even ensured that he got an apartment close to a bus stop because his truck had recently broke down. The program also provided him with furniture and essential household equipment so he could get right to living comfortably.
Veteran finds stability and hope
Once Smith had his apartment in place, the next step was continuing his education. The Hope for Veterans program helped him with this too. He is currently enrolled in The Wescoe School at Muhlenberg. After he found out the GI Bill would cover his tuition, the organization provided him with a bus pass to attend daily classes.
"Tim is not abnormal. He's a typical case among homeless veterans in that they can't afford a vehicle. So what other means of transportation are out there?" Cope asked. "Up here, it's bus transportation."
Smith is finally in a good, stable place without being weighed down by stress since returning from war. He gives the credit to the Veterans for Hope program, explaining that he would not be where he is today if it were not for its group of dedicated volunteers.