Hitting Brick Walls

SPC James Mcneil — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 18:49:21 -0400

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am currently homeless. I have been working with local agencies (both veteran and civilian) to obtain housing, and this past week I thought I was in the clear when a landlord told the SSVF person I've been working with that all I needed to do was fill out an application.
Well, that was a pipe dream. I called to follow up today, and she said that if I didn't have verifiable employment that she could garnish wages from, she would not work with me.

Frustrated is a nice way to describe the way I'm feeling now.

Anywhos, my question is this. How do you deal with hitting brick walls repeatedly?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2014 11:49 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 11:49:03 -0400

SPC James Mcneil, first of all, I'm sorry to hear this "news." My cutesy answer is to say, "Just keep soldiering on." Keep on keeping on. And I stand by that advice on a philosophical level. Don't give up, keep at it.

I guess that segues nicely - from the philosophical to the practical - in this way. When I hit a brick wall, I persevere until I get satisfaction. If I were you, I'd continue to work with the SSVF rep, but I would also be looking to other veteran programs that might be able to help you. Maybe that SSVF person can point you to other resources?

Bottom line is that a brick wall can be gone through or gotten around. Just keep trying and that brick wall will be behind you.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2014 11:54 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 11:54:11 -0400

SPC James Mcneil It takes the strength of a warrior to openly proclaim a very personal problem such as yours. Being in Florida I don't have the ability to help you one-on-one, but I promise to do what I can. Please contact me via PM here on RP.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 18 at 2014 12:14 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 12:14:32 -0400

To your question, we get back up and hit it again. If needed, we get knocked down again but we get up and dust ourselves off and hit it again. Yes, you were knocked down but you will get back up and knock the wall down and keep going.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Oct 18 at 2014 1:03 PM

CPT Richard Riley — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 13:03:48 -0400

You might also try searching through the discussion: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/resources-for-veterans-service-members

In addition to myself, there have been many others who have placed good information here for all members to benefit from.

Best resources for Veterans & Service Members | RallyPoint

Without a doubt, there are truly some great resources available to active and Reserve component personnel and veterans. Of course, if folks don't know that they're out there, members and their families couldn't possibly benefit from some of these amazing offers and services. So, the idea here is to share those helpful tidbits of information, tips, links, lessons learned, processes, resources, wisdom and/or POCs to help members find the...

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 18 at 2014 1:07 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 13:07:46 -0400

SPC James Mcneil ,

Others are more expert than I and have provided valid advice. That said I will echo MSG Brad Sand CW5 Private RallyPoint Member Cpl Joseph Radzinski don't give up, keep moving, and know you have a support network here. Finally, this is an issue the VA is hot on, and I cannot believe they will not provide assistance. I know the VA Social Worker here in Orlando, FL provide additional services to assist Veterans with similar issues.

Thank you for your service and keep the faith,

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Oct 18 at 2014 1:57 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 13:57:16 -0400

First of all, get beyond the "circumstances beyond my control".
There are many good resources out there. I've used the VA rep at local colleges/universities. The VA reps at the Labor Department. VFW, Lodges, Fraternities, are all organizations that can help in small ways that create a cumulative change.
One of the local school districts assembled a self-recovery pamphlet here in the area as a starting point for people to go for assistance.
One of the local social workers in Boise, ID put together a Self Rescue manual https://orgs.boisestate.edu/ace/self-help-resources/ that is amazing. If you can find a similar resource for your area...

Self-Help Resources - Association of Classified Employees

Self Rescue ManualThe Self Rescue Manual lists services available in the community. This manual was originated by Marjie Jacobs, LCSW, and is currently assisted in updating by various Boise School District Social Workers and BSU Social Work students.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 18 at 2014 5:58 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 17:58:36 -0400

Thank you all for your advice. I am just about to take a walk and clear my head. But I will be following up on these resources asap.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Dec 20 at 2014 5:24 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 17:24:24 -0500

I would like to give an update. As of about two weeks ago, I signed a lease. I am no longer homeless.