Fifteen homeless Veteran families will have a chance to move into permanent housing at next weekend’s Miami Homeless Veterans Stand Down thanks to an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
homeless veterans
Like Norman Cooper III, Every Homeless Veteran Has a Name, Story and Dreams that Can Still Come True
Before he knew it, Norman Cooper III, a decorated Army Veteran, had lost it all. His career, money, marriage, and the family to which he’d long been devoted were gone in what must have seemed like a blurry nightmare as he became one of 100,000 homeless Veterans in America. Two years later, he’s reclaimed his life and dreams that have not been forgotten.
Ending homeless for America’s veterans is not just about stable, affordable housing. Evidence-based skills training for creating and sustaining healthy, lasting relationships with family members, neighbors and co-workers is also vital to their long-term success.
Cedric Halyard, Director of Veteran Outreach for Operation Sacred Trust, overcame homelessness and addictions after returning from deployment in Operation Desert Storm. His personal experience has helped him help more than 1,000 other Veterans and their family members who are homeless or at risk of homelessness rebuild the foundation of their lives.
“More than one Veteran has talked about having it all one day and then finding himself living on the streets, a car, storage unit, bus stop, train station or abandoned building the next, having lost everything,” says Miguel Marquez, Outreach Specialist for Operation Sacred Trust.
After four years of Army service, including deployment to the Middle East, Gabby Cornett saw the lasting impact on her brother firsthand. His struggles inspire her daily commitment to help South Florida Veterans reconnect with themselves, loved ones, and access the resources they’ve earned.
With a husband who is a Veteran and stepson currently deployed to Afghanistan, Denise Martino can relate to the unique needs of Veteran families. As Intake Specialist for Operation Sacred Trust, she’s often the first point of contact for struggling South Florida Veterans who reach out with the hope of ending homelessness.
