Joshua is a post-9/11 Army combat veteran who needed assistance after moving to Oregon in the first few months of 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact our country. Joshua reached out to Mission Roll Call (MRC) in hopes of getting help to lessen the burden on his then-pregnant sister, who was living with him at the time. Due to medical issues, Joshua has been unable to work since 2012 and resorted to donating plasma to contribute to the household.
Mission Roll Call forwarded Joshua's request for assistance to The Network, who then contacted the veteran to assist him with his needs. The Network started by providing assistance accessing important documentation, such as his DD-214. Even though 2020 had been a trying year, Joshua was able to gain employment on his own and began to generate an income. However, Josh's housing situation became unstable and he was facing homelessness, causing him to seek help from The Network once again.
Through collaboration with Easterseals Oregon, The Network was able to get Joshua connected with Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Within hours of being kicked out of the house, SSVF placed Joshua into a hotel while they began to look for apartments. After a month of working with SSVF to find housing, Joshua moved into his own apartment around Christmas 2020. Joshua is happy to be living in a place of his own and says that it has been eight years since he lived independently.
Joshua's story is an example of how America's Warrior Partnership's Network empowers veterans by coordinating and bridging the gap between public and private organizations. He wrote to us after his experience with our program.
"I wanted to reach out and let you know what an incredible person that your employee is. Chelsea Williams did so much to help me. I know that you are there to help but, the extra effort and caring that she showed really was above and beyond what I was expecting. If there was an award given for the kindness that someone can show you, she should get it. I called when I was struggling and needed help. She took one problem at a time and made me feel like someone cared about my issues. She was willing to do everything in her power to help. She may not have known some of the answers when I called, but she assured me that she would do what she could to find the answer, and she always did. I went from almost being homeless in a new state, to getting into my own place, getting food stamps, obtaining the VA paperwork I needed, and helping me get the health care I applied for. She really made sure that she went above and beyond to assist me. Chelsea and I lost contact but she reached out to me and let me know that she had not forgotten about me. I hope you all understand that the work that you do helps us veterans a lot, and I wanted to tell you all about the amazing employee that you have. Chelsea Williams is an awesome worker who I am very glad I had the pleasure in working with. She gave me such hope and the feeling that she really does care. She is a wonderful person who is very compassionate and caring. Thank you for being there for us."
Sincerely, a grateful veteran
Joshua Bailey
With support from caring and passionate donors, The Network continues to advocate on behalf of veterans throughout the country. Please consider making a donation today to America's Warrior Partnership. Your generous, tax-deductible contribution will empower veterans, their families, and caregivers with holistic community care.