SAN ANTONIO -- Every night, nearly 400 local veterans don't know where they are going to sleep.
A local veteran was gracious enough to open up to News 4 WOAI's Elsa Ramon about how he ended up homeless and showering at truck stops, eating at convenience stores, and sleeping in his car.
J.C. Cleveland spent 10 years in the U.S. Army. But a nasty divorce led to a bankruptcy, bad credit, and big problems with the IRS. He lost his position in the military and, ultimately, ended up homeless. He slept on the couches of friends and family for a while. When he overstayed his welcome, his car became his home. From there, it got even worse.
"I was fighting suicidal and homicidal tendencies, and, to be honest, I ended up in the hospital not too long ago," J.C. told us.
But hitting rock bottom and ending up in the VA Hospital turned out to be a blessing for J.C. While there, he met another veteran who told him about the non-profit Alamo Area Mutual Housing Association.
The Alamo Area MHA gave J.C. his own apartment on one of their properties and is now helping him get back on his feet. Veterans like J.C. get 60 to 90 days to get on their feet without having to worry about utilities or rent. It's all paid for with donations to the organization, donations that essentially saved J.C.'s life.
If you'd like to help the Alamo Area MHA raise money for veterans like J.C., you can take part in their "One Night One Hope" event on Friday, November 2nd. They are asking you to bring your friends and sleep in your car at Woodlawn Lake Park to see what it's like and to raise money for Alamo Area MHA.
The event begins at 5:00 p.m.
Alamo Area MHA is an organization that helps working families and veterans in Bexar County get back on their feet.
CLICK HERE to find out more about Alamo Area MHA.
