“RV’S FOR VETERANS” in SLO….by Becky Jorgeson
29 April 2012
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We're starting a program of getting RV's donated to homeless veterans. I have another homeless man who is a mechanic and can (and will) work on them. After my son & I find an RV that someone wants to donate (which would be a tax deduction for person donating) the veteran and mechanic will be hooked up - veteran can work directly with the mechanic, pay him for his work, get the RV registered (if reg. is not current), get insurance, and away he drives with his home on wheels.
Since many veterans are disabled, they can stay at any campground for half what it would normally cost (some state parks, like Montana de Oro = $12.50/night - still pricey). Monday morning, I'm going to ask Lois Capps at the breakfast meeting she is putting on for local veterans if she'd ask the powers that be if VA parking lots can be opened up to our homeless veterans statewide ... the vets could be given a flier to post in their window (proving they're a veteran with insurance and current registration) ... they could provide their own security (lord knows they know how) and have someone in charge of keeping the lot tidy. It could be they're just allowed to park at night.
Other great idea my son came up with was allowing homeless veterans to move into the state parks slated to be closed this summer and keep the place up. Excellent idea!
Many veterans get a pension but often times it's ($800 a month) -- not enough for a room or place to rent and have any money left over.
Another friend suggested we scour the RV storage lots here in SLO - there are a few -- and many times vehicles sit there without being used....
No liability, paperwork, staff or money involved - no muss or fuss - just trust. And how do we know this will work? We did it this past week ... my oldest son was working for a lady who wanted to get an RV out of her driveway, which we did; our homeless veteran is now getting it registered with the DMV - it already runs (just needs a few minor repairs and a new roof - he's already scraped the old one off and waiting until he gets money so he can put down a new roof) ... and when he's done with it, it'll be a beauty - and he'll have a roof over his head.
So: If you know of anyone who wants to donate an RV to a homeless veteran, please advise! My son and I are doing this as a joint project...we will earn nothing from it...just giving back to our veterans who put their lives on the line for us to be able to live as we do today.
Becky Jorgeson
Advocate for Our Homeless (who are ineligible for other homeless services)
805/234-5478
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I found out ’bout this program tho’ a friend, (kim) i’ve been homeless off n on 4 10 yrs. now, i was in the navy during DESERT STORM, i was on the uss midway CV-41 aircraft carrier,….. i normally work as a union carpenter,… i still have some tools n am able to work, (physically) i could use your help, n would be willing to give back to your program, if needed 2 ,…. i volenteer my time at prado day center in the mornings, n i usally stay ’till after lunch, thank you for your time , steven m sheller
Hi Becky
My name is Brian and I am an OIF/OEF vet who has suffered from PTSD.
I’ve been looking for someone who is willing to help me out for 2 weeks now and came across this website tonight. I have been trying to purchase an RV but most of them are just to expensive. I can only afford to pay $1000 for one. And find it difficult to find one that is liveable at that price. I don’t know how to work on them either, but I am willing to learn. But a handy-man special would just be to much for me, and I would eventually end up living on the streets anyway, which I would really like to avoid.
I’ve been out of the Army for 3 years now and have been scraping by ever since. So I need to find some way to live within my budget which would be an RV according to everything I’ve read on the internet. If I could do something like this it would take my mind off of how I’m gonna make it by day to day, and I would be able to improve my financial situation with my brain. Due to injuries while in the service it is very difficult for me to perform well at an everyday job, and sometimes when I’m working my mind wonders off into the past making it very difficult to concentrate on what I am doing, and the economy doesn’t help much either. I tried to go to school when I got out and it didn’t work due to my mind wondering off and zoning out during classes and homework. The lack of motivation doesn’t help which my Phyciatrist tells me is a symptom of my PTSD. I have lived with my brother and/or my mom ever since I have exited the service. But things have got to change. I know they love me and would do anything they could for me for the rest of my life. But by living with each other we seem to burden more than help one another. Disability pays me enough to survive until I can figure out what I am going to do and I am willing to pay for the RV, but I can’t pay much. Thank you for the kindness in your hearts’. I think I speak for all vets who have been helped by people like yourself and your son, and those everywhere that help those in need, are worth fighting for. Thank you for everything you do.
Sincerely,
Brian
Brian and Steven – please call me. I just now saw your notes
Becky 805.234.5478
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