As the summer season approaches, and the Florida heat, humidity, and rains swing into high gear, St. Vincent de Paul CARES (SVdP CARES) is working passionately to move people who are homeless off the streets, out of the woods, and out of hot cars into permanent safe housing – homes they can call their own.
With your help, SVdP CARES is leading the way in Florida, ending homelessness, especially for our American Heroes, our US Veterans who have fought for our freedom.
Fifty-two days after graduating high school, Chad proudly stepped into Army boot camp. He served in Korea as a field artillery specialist and was later hand-selected to be the driver of high-ranking officers. When he reenlisted, he was deployed to Kuwait, where the unforgettable horrors he witnessed changed him forever.
When Chad returned home at just 22 years old, he carried invisible wounds from war. He attempted suicide and survived but the next 20 years were marked by a painful battle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. He began self-medicating and slowly lost touch with the people who mattered most, including his young son.
“I was in the worst situations you could ever think of. But God pulled me out every time.”
Chad
In December 2021, Chad suffered a stroke and was in a coma for three days. He lost his ability to work, and when his lease ended, he had nowhere to go. He found himself homeless and running out of hope.
Then came a turning point. Chad found St. Vincent de Paul CARES.
With the support of the St. Vincent de Paul CARES staff, Chad was connected to the resources he needed to heal and provided with safe, stable housing. And in the most powerful sign of transformation, he recently reunited with his 16-year-old son after 13 years apart.
Chad says “St. Vincent de Paul CARES has been a living vessel in my process, and I wouldn’t be here today without them.”
Because of donors like you, Chad is no longer just surviving, he’s thriving.
Please, make a gift today. Your compassion gives hope to veterans still waiting for their second chance.
With heartfelt thanks,
Michael J. Raposa, C.E.O.
St. Vincent de Paul CARES
Veterans like Chad are still out there, hurting, unseen, and alone.
Your gift today can mean the difference between despair and a second chance.
Please give as generously as you can.