Client Story: Alphonso
Alphonso, 67, ended up homeless after serving two tours in the Vietnam War. He lived on the streets and turned to alcohol to help mask his uncomfortable circumstances, he said.
After receiving housing assistance from Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and home furnishings from The Mustard Seed, thanks to YOUR SUPPORT, Alphonso is on his way to rebuilding his life.
“I received everything I needed to furnish my home,” Alphonso said, noting he’d been eating and sleeping on the floor for two weeks. “There are a lot of people to thank.”
Alphonso was drafted in the Army to serve in the Vietnam War. He got out of the Army after four years of service and then joined the Marines for 23 years.
After enduring the war and suffering from injuries, including getting shrapnel in his spine and having a knee replaced, Alphonso was in bad shape when he got out of the military, he said.
“I became homeless and drank heavily,” he said.
Alphonso said it took years to obtain benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and he’s still fighting to receive additional benefits he said he qualifies for.
“It’s been a difficult road, but there’s no sense in dwelling on it,” he said. “There are some things out of my control. I finally got the help I needed, and I’m on the way (to a better life). And for that, I’m grateful.”
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