Homeless Veteran Is Given A Bedroom And A Second Chance
Stories like these bring warmth to those who read them as they should. They show us that the human race is capable of serving each other through great acts of kindness and empathy. However, they also should open our eyes to the suffering that happens right here in America. They should prompt us to continue this trend by giving those in need around us a helping hand.
And one organization is doing just that. The Goodwill of Northeast Iowa has taken notice of the great need veterans in America have after separating from the military.
Many veterans find it challenging to restart their lives as civilians and merge with society. According to a survey by the Census Bureau, about 1.7 million veterans need to use government assistance. What’s even worse, there are about 57, 849 homeless veterans in the United States.
However, Timothy Hogan, a 20-year-old U.S. Marine veteran, is no longer one of them. The nonprofit organization has given Timothy a second chance.
The ball started rolling when Hogan mentioned to the Goodwill employees that he had never actually had a bedroom of his own ever before in his life. Since he was discharged from the Marines for medical reasons, Hogan had been living in various homeless shelters. This hit home with Steve Tisue, vice president of human services for the Northeast Iowa Goodwill, who decided that this young veteran needed a place he could call home.
And not only that. Tisue also offered Hogan a job to help him get a head start. “It’s not a handout but a hand up,” Tisue explained to ABC News. Veterans can “get established, get a permanent address and work history under their belts.”
Tisue also explained that they are going to partner with Hogan as he continues with whatever his next step is.
The organization is also helping three other veterans to get a jump start as well, allowing them to live in the home with Hogan.
“I think it’s very rewarding serving veterans who have served us so well over the years, to pay that back a little,” Tisue said. “Goodwill is grateful as well.”
Watch the video below to see Hogan’s humble gratitude as he shows his bedroom off to the Good Morning America crew.
https://www.facebook.com/GoodMorningAmerica/videos/10153801663892061/
