13 Years Homeless and Returning. AMA

7 days ago by Jspelts to c/denver

Title pretty much says it all, I spent 13 years homeless. Did a lot of hitchhiking. I have spinal stenosis and CES but did get a nice 9-month break through a veteran's group which ends on September 30th, when I'll return to tent life in the sticks. Ask me anything!

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Pennywise 3 points 7 days ago
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Jspelts 2 points 7 days ago

My application went in for HUD/VASH last month. But the stenosis isn't considered a service-related issue so I don't get VA health benefits, and HUD/VASH has a long line of vets on it. People with service-related disabilities go first (as it should be). So it's basically a lottery ticket.

Sadly enough, there is no place in the United States with available housing vouchers. Section 8 and the like have 5-10 year waiting lists in most cities. Yes I've applied. Another lottery ticket!

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Pennywise 2 points 6 days ago
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Jspelts 1 point 6 days ago

Similar deal here in Denver -- SSVF had a ton of funds and was housing vets left and right (9-month housing limit, though). So the guys at the VA resource center sent me over to VOA, a week later I was in a hotel and a few weeks after that they moved me into the apartment I'm in now. I applied for SSI, got a lawyer, but we're still stuck at step two with SSA and my housing ends on September 30th. I hope your housing lasts long enough for you to get whatever you need taken care of, and I really hope SSA expedites my case. If approved, it won't be enough to cover the rent where I'm at (rent is $1,400 - SSI is $900), but at least with the back pay I can get a van to sleep in and never panhandle again. Good luck my friend!

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Pennywise 2 points 5 days ago
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Jspelts 2 points 5 days ago

I would love it if HUD/VASH came through, but I've been told not to get my hopes up. Seems here, there's a limited number of seats in that program and they tend to reserve it for people who are already on VA disability (and apparently they can't even house all of them). So hopefully the SSI goes through. I'll be leaving Denver either way, like you said it's just too big. At my ripe age of 52 I like peace, quiet, and no people!

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Pennywise 2 points 5 days ago
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Jspelts 2 points 5 days ago

I'll ride out what's left on SSVF. I've been in touch with American Warrior Partnership, they said they might be able to help extend my stay since the SSI claim is pending. But as usual, "no promises" on that one. Hope for the best, plan for the worst!

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