Stories

Maurice, a proud veteran, saw his life upended by a minor, decade-old legal issue that left him imprisoned for 17 months during the onset of the pandemic. With the courts closed, he lost everything—his job, his apartment, and his stability. Upon his release, Maurice arrived at VOAF with nothing but the clothes on his back. Here, he found more than shelter; he found hope and a community ready to support him. We provided Maurice with the essentials—clothes, food, and a safe place to stay. In return, he thrived, becoming a beloved member of our community and a Resident Assistant. With…

Rodney, a Navy Veteran, once enjoyed a life filled with success and stability, boasting a house, car, and a secure job after transitioning from military to civilian life. However, his world was turned upside down in 2021 following two heart attacks in quick succession. These medical emergencies drained his life savings, leading to the loss of his house. Rodney was then forced to live in his car until it too was repossessed. Amidst these challenges, Rodney found a glimmer of hope when he moved into housing provided by Volunteers of America of Florida (VOAF).  Unfortunately, Rodney’s streak of bad luck…

In 2011, Joy’s husband passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. They had been together for 18 ½ years. Prior to his passing, they were living on his disability, so when he died, Joy had no income. Joy sold what she could to try to keep her home and later tried to stay with friends. Eventually, she began living in her car, at the local Walmart parking lot. During this time, Joy was seeing a psychiatrist to address symptoms from her bipolar and depression. Her psychiatrist put in a referral to Volunteers of America Florida’s Sebring Program.   Joy…

Kevin served his country as a field radio operator for four and a half years while stationed in Pendleton, where he traveled the world to ensure the safety and efficacy of communication channels. After spending about 20 years living overseas, Kevin returned home to Fort Myers after his father brought him a plane ticket, missing him terribly. Kevin decided to stay;  Tragically, his father passed away in 2019, triggering a series of health issues that included heart problems, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. The loss of his job added to the mounting challenges, transforming his life into an uphill battle….

Transitioning from military life wasn’t hard for Ted, likely due to his athletic background emphasizing discipline and structure. Yet, navigating civilian job opportunities to align with his former military role as a signalman presented challenges.  Unexpectedly, Ted discovered his new calling within the hospitality and food industry. Utilizing the precision and discipline learned from managing flags, spotlights, and Morse code, he began serving up delicious food from a truck he co-owns with another veteran. On top of this, he also works at a popular local restaurant as the head of their events and wedding catering division.  Ted’s life took a…

After 15 years in Pinellas County, Mr. Kissinger’s life took a tough turn. He lost his apartment and lived in his car until it, too, was taken away. He hit rock bottom with nowhere to turn and just the clothes on his back. He found a spark of hope at Safe Harbor, which led him to Pinellas Hope. Surrounded by others in similar situations, he received meals, a place to sleep, and help rebuilding his life for eight months. But Mr. Kissinger was aiming for a stable future. With Pinellas Hope’s guidance, he contacted Volunteers of America of Florida and…

From a work injury to homelessness and battling substance abuse, Walter’s path to Innovare waschallenging. Yet, his resilience and five-year sobriety journey led him to become the very first resident ofInnovare. Innovare offers Walter a chance for growth – from aspirations to regain his driver’s license to rebuilding independence and crafting a future once deemed unreachable. With direct care services and a nurturing community,Walter isn’t just surviving; he’s filled with hope. Walter’s story symbolizes Innovare’s essence: a place where second chances are real.

Vince, a veteran, has recently transitioned from Volunteers of America of Florida (VOAFL) Punta Gorda ‘s Veterans Village Transitional Housing to a permanent home. Unfortunately, Vince was forced to leave his previous home after his friend, whom he had been trying to assist, refused to vacate or contribute to rent payments. Despite Vince’s best efforts, he had to give up his previous housing. Vince’s time at the VOAFL Punta Gorda Veterans Village was marked by more than just his personal growth and development. Vince found a unique way to give back to the community. He began refurbishing old, discarded bicycles…