Friend,
Have you ever met someone who radiates so much love and positivity that you can't help but smile whenever you're around them? That's how I felt when I met Ross Harris. Ross is a veteran in our Supportive Services for Veteran Families program in Virginia. Originally from North Carolina, Ross is the kind of man who always welcomes people with a smile and that air of southern gentility. He is a giver by nature and never expects anything in return.
During the Vietnam War, Ross spent eight years of active duty as an instructor in the military training department of the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion, better known as the Navy Seabees. After being honorably discharged from service, Ross went into business and life was good.
Ross has always loved to travel. So when it came time to retire, he decided that he would visit various places and write a book. For 11 years, he hopped around never staying in one place longer than two years until he got to Virginia. About a year into his lease in Stafford, his landlord decided to sell his home without giving Ross 30 days notice. For the first time in his life, Ross was at risk of homelessness.
As someone used to being self-sufficient, Ross was embarrassed by the prospect of being homeless and having to ask for help. He also has a heart condition and was worried about managing that if he couldn't find a new home soon. After making a few calls, Ross was led to Volunteers of America.
Thanks to donors like YOU who have a heart for our nation's heroes, our staff were able to immediately put Ross up in a hotel for two weeks and help him get to his medical appointments. After we found Ross his new home in Stafford, we were also able to pay his deposit and a couple months rent to help him get back on his feet.
Your support also helped us purchase Ross a new bike.
"When I moved, I took my bicycle because I don't have a car. I have problems with my heart. So I was trying to get my heart back in shape by riding a bike. Well, the hotel threw my bike away. So, Volunteers of America – bless their heart – they got me a bicycle. I ride it every day. I can't tell you all how much I appreciate all that you have done for me." – Ross Harris
Ross continues to live independently in his home in Stafford. And whenever he needs support, we come running.
"When I was growing up, they used to have this show called The Millionaire. When Volunteers of America started helping me, I felt like someone had given me a million dollars. You earned your VA benefits. You didn't earn this. This program is a gift." – Ross Harris
As we draw closer to winter, there are many veterans like Ross who will need your help. Across the country homelessness and unemployment among veterans has only worsened during this pandemic. You can be a Beacon of Hope to a veteran in need by giving to Harvest for Hope now.
Just $50 provides a homeless veteran enough food to eat for a week. A gift of $100 ensures a veteran has access to transportation for medical appointments and other important services for a month. Just $500 will cover the initial deposit for a veteran in need of a home.
