Formerly homeless vet needs help

Question:

Hello, I'm pretty much a homeless veteran. I have been homeless since 2008. I am 100%P&T.  I live in a construction trailer with electricity but no running water. I've been living this way for the past 8 years. I purchased another trailer to convert to a place to live; my problem is that I can't find any organization that could help me make a home out of what i have (tthis would include a septic system). My credit is crappy due mostly from identity theft and not have current revolving credit so i can't get financing for this. That's problem #1.  The number 2 issue is I need an attorney  that could draw up papers for a property transfer and a contract for deed.

3rd question. is there any kind of activities, retreats, education, life coach or other resources to help with my emotional well being, career building,or just help guide me on what I should be doing with my life besides nothing. I've become a recluse and I would like to become an active member of society again? There are other issues or concerns I have but I will stop with my most important issues.  Thank you

Jim's Reply:

You don't give me much information to work with...like where you are and why you're 100%? But I'll do what I can to try and help.

I think your goals are admirable and achievable. I also think you've unintentionally put them in the wrong order when you voice the goals to me. The first thing you have to focus on is the education, life coach, retreats, career building and so on. You have to do that before you can realistically think about things like financing and finding a lawyer to help you. If you aren't able to present yourself as recovering or recovered and on the way to success, it will be that much harder to complete your goals.

If I were you, I'd start at the local public library. In the many years of my life when I had less less money than I was sure I deserved, I found that a public library was a perfect place to entertain myself with free videos, books, computer access and much more. Beyond that the public library is a welcoming space and a safe space no matter where you are. Be it a small town community library or a big city behemoth, the doors are open to everyone.

You'll discover groups of people who are there to study, learn, and improve their life. There will be hobbyists, computer nerds, artists, students, writers...just the kind of people you want to say hello to.

Volunteering at your VA hospital or clinic is the best thing ever for the 100% disabled veteran. I was a VA volunteer at my local clinic and hospital for years and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The VA loves disabled veteran volunteers and we're treated like solid gold. You can set your own schedule, do the jobs you'd like to do and the commitment is minimal...everyone understands you may not show up some days. Nobody is judgmental about the veteran who is volunteering.

You'll discover the best part of volunteering at VA will be the friends you'll make. In the years I volunteered, I made buddies that I'm still communicating with and as vets, we have a lot in common. The VA volunteer is a part of an exclusive community and there is no better feeling than helping another veteran.

One of the best things about volunteering at VA is that you'll make contacts and as you go along and you'll meet the people who can help you improve your situation. You'll be exposed to the programs VA has that will help you achieve your goals and as a volunteer, you go to the front of the line.

Learn more about volunteering here or just ask a volunteer at your clinic.

If you'll commit to the above and set a schedule for yourself, and then stick to it...I have a feeling you'll do OK. Please let me know how you're doing.

Good luck!