Bellringer: Ventura man facing homelessness shares success story
Editor's note: This is the fifth in a series on causes funded through the Julius Gius Bellringer Campaign, which is now underway. Each year readers of The Star donate funds to the campaign to help their neighbors benefit from The Salvation Army's programs.
Tracy Anthony is a 61-year-old veteran from Ventura who became homeless a few years ago.
The residence where he was living was being sold. He had to find a place quickly or he would be homeless very soon.
The Salvation Army connected with him at a one-stop center in Ventura where homeless individuals can learn about a variety of resources. He went to the Salvation Army's Hope Center, a transitional shelter, and applied for a veterans program that helped him with move-in costs for an apartment.
"He had to show his savings were growing," said Denise Adams, a case manager who helped him get into permanent housing.
He learned the importance of patience, saving and setting priorities, said Adams, who directs social services for The Salvation Army in Ventura County. He also found a job as a security guard at the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura.
Anthony says he is beyond grateful for everything The Salvation Army's Hope Center did for him.
"Thank you for all you do," he said. "Without The Salvation Army I would not have developed these skills that I needed to become self-sufficient.”
To donate online, visit https://tinyurl.com/5h8r99e2 or send donations to The Salvation Army Ventura, 650 S. Petit Ave., Ventura, CA 93004. Please include whether your donation is in honor or memory of someone. You may also donate anonymously.
Donors
Martha Poulos/Daughters of Penelope, Hyperia Chapter, $100. In memory of one of our founding members, our dear sister Carrie Nicholeris. May your memory be eternal.
Shirlene Folk, $100
Peter and Debra Williamson, $150
E.P. Hopkins and S.A. Hopkins, $195, In honor of Betty and Bill.
Anonymous, $50
Anne T. Losito, $10
Anne T. Losito $200, In memory for Richard T. Smith Jr., who I miss very much. You were supposed to watch over me. Your loving mother.
Thomas and Karyne Roweton, $50, Happy Holidays.
Thomas J. McLean, $100, In memory of Cheryl L. McLean.
Bob and Lupe Piros, $400, In loving memory of our wonderful mothers, Helen Piros, 1912-2006, and Christine Flores, 1928-2007. Please use this money to feed the homeless.
Anonymous, $100, In memory of Al, Dwight, Jim and Rusty
Richard and Eleanor Renshaw $200
Nancy Binder, $100, In memory of George Kroll
Anonymous, $200, In memory of Roxane and Wauneta
Charles and Susan Hanley, $50
Vinson and Karen Gilliam, $400
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Salvation Army helps veteran turn life around
