20 Year Old PTSD Suffering Veteran Looking For Government Housing Grant Money

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20 Year Old PTSD Suffering Veteran Looking For Government Housing Grant Money

by Thomas Eccles
(Erie, PA, USA)

My name is Thomas Eccles. I am 20 years old with a 14-month-old son, and a wife of almost two years. I'm looking for some government housing grant money to help us move to a better place.

I am a veteran of the 101st Airborne division out of Fort Campbell, KY. I was deployed for 11 months of my service and then discharged for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.)

I have applied for MANY jobs, both online and in person. I have been told I have a very well put together resume. I have been to many online sites to help veterans, as well as Careerlink.com in Erie.

I have been to many job interviews. 20% say I don't have the experience they are looking for, which is understandable. I'm 20 years old with a GED and only military as a prior job.

The other 80% of them tell me, "We will not hire you due to the PTSD." From what I am told employers are not to discriminate potential employees due to any sort of disabilities.

My real question that I have been trying to get answered I got home is, "Why is it that men and women can fight for our country, and put their physical and mental states on the line, but when we need the country the most they turn their backs on us." That is the way that I feel, or how I have been treated since being discharged.

I just find it hard to believe how many veterans are homeless and lose everything when they get out of the service. Granted, I understand some just don't take back control of their life and that is their choice.

But there are a few of us that have families at a very young age with a service-connected disability, and can't seem to find any help.

We struggle month by month, hoping to be able to pay all the bills and rent on time as well as keep food and house supplies in stock. Currently I have been on unemployment for a year and half now with no luck.

We would like to move out of the house we are in right now. My wife and I currently rent a two-bedroom, one-bath house. Its a very small house and VERY expensive. The rent alone is $675 a month plus gas, electric, garbage/sewage.

The main thing stopping us from moving is we don't have enough money to pay a security deposit, plus the first month's rent on another house/apartment.

In fact, I don't have the money to pay rent after this month, which makes moving out next to impossible. My wife has a job, but she doesn't receive any hours due to the seasonal workers working at her job.

This is my story and why I am looking for help. Any government grant money or other support you could point us to would be much appreciated.

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20 Year Old PTSD Suffering Veteran Looking For Government Housing Grant Money

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Sep 14, 2011
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Help For You
by: Anonymous

I suggest that you contact the Texas Department of Rehabilitative Services. They can assist with different options if you have a documented disability.

Veterans Administration can assist you with a VA loan packet if you have a source of income.

Texas Rehab can also assist you with access to education the same as your GI education benefits.

Also call San Antonio Lighthouse. They assist individuals with disabilities to find employment as well.

May not be money in your pocket but it can help.

May 11, 2011
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If you get this now...
by: April

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Relief Act of 1994 (USERRA) provides job protection to workers that serve in the military. The USERRA prohibits employers from engaging in discriminating acts against employees that serve in the military and provides eligible service members with job reinstatement rights upon completion of military service. The law applies to all employers, but does not require the employer to pay the employee during military leave.

Try:
www.saluteheros.org
www.operationhomefront.org
www.usatogether.org
www.operationfirstresponse.org

Oct 20, 2010
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Thanks for the help!
by: Thomas

Thank you for all the info everyone. I have been waiting for a year to get my disabilty appointments going. It should be soon. Also we did have to move back with my dad, and i am currently using the GI Bill for a welding degree. Hopefully all works out. Once again thanks for the help.

Oct 06, 2010
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Try these resources...
by: Anonymous

Your local Redevelopment Housing Authority offers rent based on income. You must be disabled or have a minor child in the home to qualify and in some states they have what is called a home rehab program, there is also a Section 8 program that helps you pay your rent.

R.A.D.A. or your areas Servicing Project service has grant money for an I.N.R. house to be built on your property and payment based on income.

All the info above is based on programs offered in our area Lee, Scott and Wise Counties in VA.

Good luck and hope this helps.

Sep 30, 2010
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Try VA Disability
by: Anonymous

You are entitled to VA disability, but you have to apply for it. That would bring in income even though it takes a while! The VA medical centers and the VA in general will try to screw you over. It doesn't sound helpful I know, but be careful with them. Until then try going back to college. The GI bill will help you with income. Do all you can to keep your child safe warm and happy! And get what you can as you have earned it. Every Veteran has, even though you all get treated so badly! We need some changes in these so-called systems! Good luck to you!

Sep 30, 2010
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Try these places asap!
by: April

Hi there!

You are not the only one feeling this way or going through what you are going through! We just saved our home due to the very same reasons or close to what you have listed! Do not risk losing the place you have to look for something if you really do not need to move! I know how it feels to be in a small house as we live in one as well, but you do with what you have and be thankful you have it, as you never know when it could be gone!

Do not give up hope!! There are so many places that help Veterans. It is just that Veterans do not know about many of these places! I have a few organizations I want you to try and hope this reaches you before your rent is due and that the organization has the funds to do so in assisting you!

These are grants and do not have to be paid back! Also I do not know if you realize this but Veterans get the GI Bill, which could allow you to go to online college.

Also Veterans are entitled to the VA backing them on housing loans; however be careful with that as, if you end up in a foreclosure it is a royal pain to get things taken care of.

So try these:
http://www.saluteheroes.org/
http://www.operationfirstresponse.org/

That's the first 2 that came off the top of my head. I have a whole bunch more but cannot think of then due to being sick. If you Google organizations that help veterans financially you will find more. Good luck to you!

Sep 18, 2010
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Fishing?
by: Anonymous

The likelihood of this being an actual person in this situation is slim. Could it simply be someone fishing for money?

Aug 12, 2010
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How to help people writing on this site
by: Anonymous

So how can I help someone I find on this site? I'm not rich, but I can't tell you how much it would've helped me if just a couple of people who wanted to help me in the past had been able to send me funds, even just $20 to let me know they cared and wanted to help till I could get back on my own feet.

So how do we send some of these people some money? If just a few people or possibly even more wanted to send funds to people like Thomas and have them "pay it forward," it would be instrumental in lifting their spirits. People are asking for help and people are willing to help. So how do we help?

Jul 21, 2010
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Vocational Rehabilitation Info
by: Anonymous

Dear Thomas,
I am so sorry that you have been lost in the cracks and are not getting the help you deserve. Contact your local vocational rehabiliation counseling office asap. You can find your local branch under va.gov for vocational rehabiliation. You will need to get approval by following their steps. Get with a psychiatrist in the va to help you get approval. The voc rehab counselor's job is to help you get a job with a company that will know your situation and will work with you. You will be tested in regards to your aptitude (math, reading skills) and your personality and social abiltiies to help place you in a job that is suitable to your abilities. They may even send you to school. The key is to get approved. Have them classify you for depression also if necessary. Again, you need the approval. I will pray for you and your family. Thank you for your service. Things will get better. Stay positive. I am a North Carolina graduate student in vocational rehabilitation. Good luck!!

Jun 05, 2010
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VA
by: Anonymous

Please go to your local VA Hospital ASAP and be evaluated for your various problems. Also connect with a social worker there who can help you determine what assistance you are eligible for.

May 28, 2010
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Hope for you!
by: Anonymous

I hope that someone answers your prayers, and sends you some help.

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20 Year Old PTSD Suffering Veteran Looking For Government Housing Grant Money

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20 Year Old PTSD Suffering Veteran Looking For Government Housing Grant Money