This is day six of my Sabbatical, and yesterday was rather challenging for me. I spent the day serving Veterans of America on the 800 hotline and walk-in service office in Georgia. The phones rang all day long and the lines were long all day. Most of the calls I took came from Veterans looking for housing and or affordable housing. There were other calls from family members of Veterans looking for mental illness or PTSD support. My line never stopped ringing, and I have never felt a desire to do more and yet, I was unable to do what my heart desired.
My heart is so heavy and grieved, even today. How can we allow those who serve our country to be homeless? How is it that, we haven’t built enough affordable housing for our Veterans? How does this happen in America?
I spoke to both the young and old, women and men. Loved ones–parents, wives, husbands, and children looking for answers and solutions. Their need was immediate and dire for most, and often there were simply no available resources or there are so many Veterans ahead of them and so much red tape to move through. Appointments can be months out. I cannot imagine the pain and frustration these Veterans and their families must feel.
Those who work and volunteer serving Veterans of America are wonderful and caring people. Many Veterans themselves. Some wives of Veterans. Some like me, with a desire to be of service wherever we may be needed. And contrary to the day I had yesterday, this team helps a large number of Veterans and their families each day. I only wish we could do it faster without all of the red tape.
I have had the privilege as a Select Producer to pre-plan two funerals for Veterans. When I return I am going to speak with my funeral home owner about a Veteran’s Package. I understand Veterans receive several benefits making burial affordable; however, I certainly believe there is more we can do as a funeral home and in the community we serve.
There shouldn’t be any homeless Veteran’s in our country. This is criminal to my mind. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve yesterday. It was a humbling experience. It was an honor. It was indeed a privilege. And it will be a continued honor and privilege to pray for the families I spoke with yesterday.