PTSD Disabled Infantry Veteran Seeks Government Housing Grant Money

by Daniel
(Salt Lake City, Utah, USA)

I served in Iraq in 2003-2004 with the 4th infantry division as a single solider and now I'm looking for government housing grant money.

I never thought about a family or kids even college, but seven years later here I am.

I got married to my wife with her two daughters, now nine and seven, and we had one of our own who is three.

We both worked to try and provide and struggled though each month and wondered if the next month we would have food and we always did.

We never asked for any help. We just made do as any other family would.

When my wife finally pushed me to look at school we had to weigh all the financial options.

After many long nights of counting and adding the bills we made the decision that it will work.

We made this choice so that we may better our lives and provide a better future for our kids.

School is very important for my kids, and by me going back I'm only showing them that actions speak louder than words.

So I started culinary arts at Salt Lake Community College with much success and everyone behind me with support.

The only thing holding me back was PTSD and the ability to focus and stay calm when pots and pans hit the floor.

I decided that the kitchen is not the best place for me to be.

I'm changing my major to Diesel systems, which related to some of my military training. It's a perfect fit.

Since I started school, bills have been piling up higher and higher and the top has now moved above our heads.

From my G.I. bill, I receive a housing allowance, but it won't be coming in this month due to system changes says the veteran's office at my school.

They were able to give me a letter explaining all of this to my landlord and she is unwilling to give me an extension on my rent for the month of June.

If I am unable to pay my rent on the first of June I will receive a 3-day pay or vacate and my family will be homeless.

My family lives in Florida and are struggling themselves. My wife's family is unwilling to help us in the matters of money or a place to stay.

This letter has become my last resort to keep my family together. I am a proud man, but times are rough and asking never hurt anyone.

As I write this I have found myself in tears and cannot figure why someone could not extend me the time on a lease.

I have started to wonder if the veteran community has become a burden on the local communities.

As a veteran I am very proud for serving my country without question and thankful for making it home when so many do not.

I ask not for myself, but for my family. I would like to continue school to show my kids that school will provide a great home for them once they are older.