Army veteran in Yuma gets mobile home donated
YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — A U.S. Army veteran on the verge of homelessness is getting a permanent roof over his head, all thanks to the generosity of others.
Hands Extended Thrift Store in Yuma donated the mobile home.
“It’s kind of unbelievable. I didn’t think it was possible,” said Dale Ogren, who was given the home.
Ogren served in the Army as a pathfinder during the Vietnam War.
Now, at 74, He didn’t think he would ever have a place to call his own after a series of health challenges set him back.
“I had to quit working and I didn’t want to quit working, but that’s the way it went.”
Fortunately, he found Right Turn for Yuma Veterans, a transitional home where he’s lived for the last year.
It’s a six-bedroom facility that helps at-risk veterans by providing them with shelter and the resources they need to regain their independence.
“We provide support, shelter, and every day-to-day necessities that our veterans need,” said Susie Caballero, Right Turn For Yuma Veterans CEO.
Caballero said there is a huge need. Their goal would be to expand their facility or open another one to help reach more veterans.
Recent federal data shows a rise in veteran homelessness. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates there were more than 900 homeless veterans in Arizona alone.
“Most of the guys are just happy to have a bed, peace and quiet, and a restroom,” said Rudy Gonzalez, Director for Right Turn For Yuma Veterans.
As a Navy veteran himself, Gonzalez said he knows it’s hard for veterans to ask for help.
“Veterans are always taught service before others. So we’re always trying to help everyone else out and rarely worry about what we need,” he said.
Gonzalez says Hands Extended has been a great help to the veteran community.
“Even though they are going through their own crisis right now with their building burning down, they’re still giving and thinking about other people,” he said.
Gonzalez says he’s proud of Ogren’s progress and said they’ll be there to keep him on the right track.
“I sure have been grateful. They don’t know how much I appreciate this because it gives me, I can finish my life with dignity and have a place for my kids to come see me,” Ogren said.
Right Turn for Yuma Veterans is holding one of their biggest fundraisers this Saturday. It’s their 11th Annual Bowling Tournament.
People can still register or sign up to donate. Proceeds will go to helping veterans at their homes.
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