Forget politics for a moment. As you might infer, I currently live in College Station. My brother is in Florida and he's a high school drop out, Iraq Army vet and has no clue how to advocate. I have been trying from here to help where I can, but he posted something to Facebook that was not known to me until today. I hadn't heard from him in at least a month so I thought things were getting better so this post came as a shock. He's been close to suicide a few times and I've had to talk him off the ledge. I'm not sure if it's best to copy/paste his post for fear he'd see this or outing my identity, but that's where I'm at.

I'm looking for any leads on someone who can help him, or someone I can reach out to on his behalf. I appreciate you in advance. Here goes:

Quote:

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I hope those who see this read.

Not going to give my whole life story of what has occurred over the last few months. Just know that the world I once knew has completely crumbled beneath me. I emerged a different person, left scared and broken hearted.

I am currently going on day 10 of being homeless and living in my car. I am 90% disabled and recieve compensation from the VA on the 1st every month. I also work but not at the moment as 12 days ago I fell down some stairs and broke a toe and fractured some bones in my foot.

I'm running low on funds for gas and food. If anyone is able to help until the first it would be greatly appreciated, not looking for a lot or a continous thing. If you can't help share please.

You can DM me if you need any further explanation.

And the VA can't and won't help me at this time. Can explain that as well.

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C@LAg said:

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i mean... this kind of thing sounds like it needs a road trip to handle.

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I said I was that desparate. /shrug. If staff thinks this shouldn't be here, I kindly request they delete.

Hate to say this, but if this is my family. I'm on a flight or in the car tonight.

TA-OP said:

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C@LAg said:

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i mean... this kind of thing sounds like it needs a road trip to handle.

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I said I was that desparate. /shrug. If staff thinks this shouldn't be here, I kindly request they delete.

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Might ask staff to change the title to Veteran help. Since we're a vet school.

Not being snarky...I clicked on the link thinking it might be something about needing vet help with an animal.

USAA is highly engaged in vet suicide prevention. It is serious issue and hope your brother works through his challenges. The link will give you some places to get help.

https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/advice-military-suicide-prevention-resources

And seriously, I know a lot of veterans on here could probably get him in touch with organizations that could help out...with much more than the immediate need of money.

Philip J Fry said:

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Hate to say this, but if this is my family. I'm on a flight or in the car tonight.

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I would if I could, but my kids and wife do come first. And, I don't think me being there would change anything.

I wasn't intending disrespect. I sincerely was hesitant to even post here. I think in a lot of ways, you spelled out why. I feel so handcuffed in the situation.

Do you know what city he is in?

Regarding what I've tried to do from here… I reached out to our local US Rep, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn and they all told me they couldn't help… that he personally had to reach out to his Congressional representation. So I filled out all the paperwork I could and sent them form him to finish and sign. I sent him paperwork for Daniel Webster, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott. The last I heard a month or two ago was that he was having marital issues so I'm guessing that's where the current situation is coming from.

AtticusMatlock said:

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Do you know what city he is in?

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The last I heard, Clermont.

1) My first thought was this thread should be in Agricultural/Veterinary board, but then realized it was the other kind of Vet. Sorry for starting of with humor for such a serious topic.

2) Very sorry for his challenges. I hope he knows it can get better. There are many beautiful things to discover in his life still. Be patient and positive, it will come.

3) Please thank him for his service. Good men like him who serve for the right reasons are the best of us.

4) If that were my brother living in the streets and struggling so deeply, I would be go get him immediately in any way possible. Take a few days off work or whatever it takes. I don't know what he's going through, but I'd try everything to bring him home and build him up as best I can. Try to help him get back on his feet.

You can ask others for help, but end of the day, he's your family and nobody will care for him more or better than his family.

Why are you still texting and posting for? Go help your brother! (I realize that might be easier said than done, but if he's homeless and jobless, no reason he can't leave for a few months to recover and then move on when he's ready. You might invent something you can pay him to do or you need help with si he can feel useful again.)

5) May God bless your brother.

I greatly sympathize with your views of family and you're correct, they do come first.

However, in this case, hopefully, they'll understand you missing 2-3 days (at a minimum). It sounds like there's a lot you don't know and won't until you're personally involved.

I guarantee you you'll have someone pop up here to give you a little help or guidance. It won't take long, keep the faith.

Don't take his word that the VA won't assist. Call them. 1-877-4AID-VET

I'm in Clermont; let me see if I can find some local resources. We have a VA clinic here in town.

I would also post this on the Military and Outdoor boards as well. Maybe even the "Aggieland" and Across the Nation board as well

I provided a link above and realized it had the link buried in the article. try this..

https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/get-help

I have a friend who is a senior executive in the VA hospital system. I'll ask him if he has any leads that might help get VA moving for him.

rtt dot texags at the gmail if you want to share some more details that could help.

"Help for homeless veterans.
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline ensures homeless veterans or veterans at risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Call 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or chat online to get connected and get back on track."

Vet here, I can't think of a reason the VA wouldn't be able to assist a disabled vet in danger of homelessness. I know people who have called the above number and received help. Have him post, or you can post about his situation on Reddit r/veterans or r/veteransbenefits. There are tons of knowledgeable people who can help, plus a really great wiki that has a wide range of information. There are just too many resources out there that veterans can access, it's just a question of getting him connected to the right one.

I dont have any extended help in Florida or any family members or advice, but OP, I hope the best for your brother and your family.

I have been where his words have lead me to believe he is right now and I am hoping that he gets the resources he needs to succeed.

I wish there were more than I could do to help than that.

Mission 22. They should have local people to help.

Praying for your brother. Would say that if he were a veteran or a regular Joe. Hope he is able to get the help he needs.

Those links above are good resources. If you immediate concern for his safety, call the Clermont Police Department at (352) 394-5588.

If you can get a hold of him, tell him he can meet me at The Crossing Church on Sunday morning (we meet at East Ridge High School at 10am) and I can connect him with some people who might be able to help. I'll be the very large man playing guitar during worship.

Might c post on military board

I'm going to be the dick:

Why can't he get into the VA? If he broke a toe & some bones in his foot, why can't he go to the VA & get help?

He's got a car & a phone? Let's assume the car is paid for? Sell it if he's hurting that bad. Is it a pre-paid phone?

Seems to be alot left out of the story here. But, there is a great place in Houston called Camp Hope that works with these type of people. Maybe you gfet to him & get him here, assuming you're in this area.

Good luck.

I was on a Salvation Army board of directors for about 20 years. His area Salvation Army could be a resource for him. Different areas offer different services.

https://www.findhelp.org/the-salvation-army-florida-division--orlando-fl--adult-rehabilitation-center-%2528arc%2529/6010650288193536?postal=34711

The Orlando SA has an ARC program. If he is eligible and willing, it is a fantastic program and 100% free. Don't know if it would exactly apply, but it is a great program if he can utilize it. And if not, Salvation Army could likely direct him to people who can help him.

Quote:

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The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers provide spiritual, social and emotional assistance for men who have lost the ability to cope with their problems and provide for themselves. The physical and spiritual care that program participants receive prepares them to re-enter society and return to gainful employment.

Services include:

- Residential treatment

Each center offers:

- Work
- Group and individual therapy
- Physical and spiritual care

This program is a 180-day residential work-therapy programs that provides spiritual, social, and emotional assistance to those who have lost the ability to cope with their problems and provide for themselves. Requirements may vary based on each location. Contact your nearest location to learn more.

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ABattJudd said:

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Those links above are good resources. If you immediate concern for his safety, call the Clermont Police Department at (352) 394-5588.

If you can get a hold of him, tell him he can meet me at The Crossing Church on Sunday morning (we meet at East Ridge High School at 10am) and I can connect him with some people who might be able to help. I'll be the very large man playing guitar during worship.

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this contains some of the best advice you'll get imo - a good church family for your brother could help tremendously.

will pray for your brother for the best

Thanks to every last one of you. I'm starring posts as I read them. I was away for the last half hour or so talking with our dad who is in St. Cloud. It sounds like he's staying in his car in the lot of his apartment. He refuses to leave because his wife is still making him cart her and their kids to everything even though she made him move out. From what he said, my brother doesn't sound close to the edge like previous times.

I'll keep reading and starting as I go, but I'll definitely be looking into a lot of what you all have posted.

Thanks to staff. Thanks to all of you /f16ers

Time for you to step up to the plate TA-OP. God speed.

12thMan9 said:

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I'm going to be the dick:

Why can't he get into the VA? If he broke a toe & some bones in his foot, why can't he go to the VA & get help?

He's got a car & a phone? Let's assume the car is paid for? Sell it if he's hurting that bad. Is it a pre-paid phone?

Seems to be alot left out of the story here. But, there is a great place in Houston called Camp Hope that works with these type of people. Maybe you gfet to him & get him here, assuming you're in this area.

Good luck.

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You're not being a dick. Everything said is useful. You ask a lot of the same questions I ask daily.

ETA: I'm not unwilling to share more; I just hesitate to do so publicly, but would be willing to connect privately.

Salvation Army Orlando Area Command
(407)423-8581

They're closed tomorrow, but open Sunday morning at 9.

These guys do great work:

CAMP HOPE

This is a Houston-based organization, but they can likely lend a helping hand and are all-to-familiar with this exact situation. They might not be able to get someone there, but they likely know someone in the area that might be available. And they will certainly talk to you and your family as to what the best course of action is and help you in any and every way they are able.

T&P