February 2014 Newsletter

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Veteran Finds Housing

Jim utilized the Roseburg Rescue Mission while waiting for the new construction to be completed of a Veterans Administration housing project. He was on the waiting list for the new Eagle’s Landing on the VA Roseburg grounds. Other homeless, veteran men stayed at the Mission as well, anxious for opening day. Still others here wait for additional VA housing programs. They are well screened by their VA caseworkers and deemed to be stable and highly motivated to succeed. Jim’s time at the Mission will be just over two months.

He was in the U.S. Army with nine years active duty and was honorably discharged. He has several physical disabilities, some of which happened in the service of our country. He has Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), having been in military action. Staff sergeant was his rate; wheeled vehicle mechanic was his rating.

After his discharge from the army, he bought a boat repair business and was involved in it for nearly 20 years. Health issues caused him to sell his business. For a few years then, he worked at a wood mill, until an on the job accident. Not able to work any longer, he started selling his rental houses and video store. Living on the proceeds of a once financially successful life, the time came when the money ran out. His marriage ended when he could not provide for his wife. He stayed with friends and family. Depression set in and the drinking became heavy.

Jim had successfully transitioned into civilian life, until matters got out of control. It was then that the PTSD and physical injuries of his military service really intensified. They were aggravated by the loss of the personal infrastructure in his life. Our country then stood behind its promise to support our veterans, especially when their service to us adversely affects them.

HUD has similar subsidized housing for low income, non-veterans. However, Eagle’s landing gives preference to veterans, places them closer to veteran’s services right on campus, opens up additional high quality housing and can make entrance financially easier for qualifying veterans like Jim. In the photograph, Jim is at a workbench in the Mission warehouse, where he uses his military diagnostic and repair training on donated electrical and electronic items. He wants to stay busy and productive. The American flag in the background was his idea. Of the men at the Mission, 35% are veterans; while in the general public, 24% of men are veterans.

The Mission’s impact went far beyond physical necessities. Indeed, our main purpose is to help people find eternal housing with the Lord of Life. Jim said, “I had received Christ, but fell away when all the bad things happened. I was not too happy with Him (God). I thought that I had hit bottom, and there was no way for me to get back up again. Chapel here was a whole new thing for me. I never studied the Bible. Now I understand that God will forgive us. At the Mission, my faith has been renewed. I have confidence in myself and in God that He is going to help me. Thank you.”