SARASOTA/MANATEE – He went from homeless to hopeful.
“To lose everything and have no family, no resources, You take advantage of a situation because a lot of doors are open for veterans now. Don’t give up, don’t quit,” said Veteran, Vince Morrow
After leaving the military after 3 years in 1984, Morrow returned without a home and a support system.
“I ran into some tumultuous times. I wasn’t ready to settle down, made a big mistake, got into a bit of trouble,” he said.
Morrow picked up from San Diego to Bradenton.
“Living on the streets and finally got me a job, and I was able to get me my own and be independent,” he said.
It all started with one phone call to Manasota Troop Support.
“To have nothing and one day you get a phone call from a person you don’t even know, they’re like ‘Vincent, I heard you’re down on your luck. Come here and let me help you,” he said.
Linda Craig was on the other side of the phone to show Vince a map leading to his own independence. She helped him get an apartment.
“I sent him to GoodWill, who gave him a furniture voucher, so we work with other agencies and then I got him a shower curtain, and a liner, and I tried to get him really nice stuff so that he felt really good,” Craig said.
Morrow also received assistance from the Salvation Army and Turning Points. But he said the best gift he’s received couldn’t be bought.
“The love hasn’t stopped that I’m one of the ones who reached out and they came with open arms,” he said.
Morrow hopes his story will inspire other homeless or disabled veterans.
“Even though you don’t have the things you want, the necessity things can be received through these agencies and that goes a long way,” he said.
