Client Story: Dewayne

Dwayne, who served in the Army for 4 ½ years, said he’s spent much of his adulthood in unstable situations, but thanks to YOUR SUPPORT, he’s hoping his future is brighter.

“I have lived in six different states,” the 31-year-old said. “I’ve never been able to stay in one place for two years. Things keep going wrong for me, and it forces me to flee. I get tired of being a nomad.”

Dwayne said he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 and experiences uncontrollable shaking in his right arm. His service dog, Wolfy, a Husky mix, assists him with his disability and provides him with emotional support. Because of his disease, Dwayne said he’s unable to work.

He moved from North Dakota to Orlando in October 2019 to be with his fiancé. However, he said he became homeless when the relationship ended and stayed with his fiancé’s parents for a month.

Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) referred Dwayne to The Mustard Seed for furniture assistance. SSVF is helping Dwayne with rental assistance and other financial needs.

Dwayne received 17 pieces of home furnishings from The Mustard Seed to make his empty house into a comfortable and functional home.

“This (assistance) helps take quite a bit of pressure off me,” Dwayne said. “I’m living off my stimulus check right now, and I’m still fighting for my (military) benefits. This restores a little bit of my faith in humanity.”

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