I live in an area where the drug abuse is so freaking sad on top of all the opportunity liars. For weeks he has been sitting at the garbage can at my job with a sign saying "veteran need help." Im the manager I just ask him to put the sign away it away but I'm not making him leave but I am not allowed to have anyone at the door asking for anything. I've been repeating myself for weeks every time I see him. Yesterday he was there again with the sign and I told him I'm feeling disrespected that in explaining the same thing to him every time. Then I asked him if he's really a veteran or just some guy with a sign. He's from the marine Corp medically discharged for the refuse of medication because he rather choose the alternative of talk therapy because he has had friends die in explosions 3 times in bagdad. I told him with genuine understanding that I really thank him for his service referencing standing up for his medical decision. I asked him why he is being treated so bad because it's cold outside and he's sitting by a trash can wearing a sheet. He said that they aren't treating him so bad and then he realized and told me that he's been on a 90 day housing waiting list but it's been over 90 days. I told him what I've been going through working a store with a pharmacy and what's gone on with my medical descion. Then I let him know that obviously there is no infiltration happening because obviously that would be crazy and reminded him that I am a civilian. I told him I wish there was more that I could do for him but he told me I'm doing very much and thanked me. I can't stop thinking about this guy. It makes me so freaking sad. All I can do is hope that the conversation I had with him gave him his hope boost.
I also did tell him I do feel bad I keep getting on him about the sign but he reassured me he understood that I just do what I have to do at my job.
You need to do more than have a conversation. God literally delivered him to your doorstep. The world is lost if we all sit on our hands hoping someone else will do something.
Interesting enough after I posted this he was outside again. I gave him a hug told him I was really regretting not doing that yesterday and then told him that I'm so hopeful for the future that something really good is going to be changing here soon.
There's a lot of missing info that is needed, before I can give solid clear advice....
Make a list, as ask him::
Parents?
If Yes, why isn't he there?
Car?
If yes, does it run?
Buddies Home nearby?
Why not double up with?
Comp?
Why not Rent?
Clothing?
Food?
Don't just take anyone at face Value, there are still many people who study Veterans only to attempt to emulate us in order to Steal Valor.....
IF you personally know any Veterans, tell them, and ask them to vet this guy, THEN you can get solid advice on how to help.....
Sometimes all a conversation is what somebody needs. That's his choice of therapy.
Very true, especially now. We are here because we are strong enough and we're being given enough to help others. If people ask me for help I am trying to be very generous.