Bellringer: Veteran calls help he received 'beyond words'

Special to Ventura County Star
·3 min read
David Ortega
David Ortega

Editor's note: This is the third in a series on the 43rd annual Julius Gius Bellringer Campaign.

David Ortega is a 58-year-old veteran from Ventura who became homeless in 2017.

He had been struggling with multiple health problems that caused him to go in and out of the hospital with cardiac and clotting issues. The Salvation Army had its first interaction with Ortega at a winter warming shelter in 2017, but unfortunately lost track of him.

Denise Adams, a Salvation Army case manager, reconnected with him at a one-stop program where homeless people can learn about multiple types of assistance. Last year, she was able to admit him to the veterans program at the Salvation Army's Hope Center.

Ortega's health struggles caused him to use emergency services frequently, which led to depression, but he never gave up. He pushed on and with the help of his case manager found employment at a local 7-Eleven, which improved his sense of self-reliance and resiliency.

In April, when another blood clot in his leg caused him to be hospitalized, medical professionals decided that his leg from the knee down would have to be amputated. This was devastating to this otherwise active and outgoing man. Ortega recovered in a rehabilitation facility, but the Hope Center was able to keep his bed available for his return.

Ortega finished his recovery at the Hope Center and received a prosthetic leg that helped him walk again.

During his stay, Ortega applied for and received a housing voucher from the federal Veterans Affairs agency and with his case manager’s help is now living in his own apartment.

The veteran said the help he received from the Salvation Army is, “beyond words.” He also thanked supporters of the Salvation Army.

"Keep it coming," Ortega said. "There’s more out there that need help.”

To donate online, visit https://give-sc.salvationarmy.org/campaign/the-salvation-army-or-julius-gius-bellringer-by-ventura-county-star/c429370 or mail donations to Bellringer Campaign, The Salvation Army Ventura, ATTN: Juan Torres, 650 S. Petit Ave., Ventura, CA 93004. Please include whether the donation is in honor or memory of someone. Donors may also give anonymously.

Donors

  • Allen G. Collister: $50, honoring the “Mugu Crew,” Boonie, Margaret, Marilyn

  • Warren and Gail R. Paap: $150

  • Edythe M. Lambert and Kimberly Lee Lambert: $100, in honor of Elliot L. Lambert

  • Anonymous: $19.50, in memory of the ones who have gone before us, Santa Clara High School Class of 1954

  • Paula Reach: $30

  • Gaylord D. Larsen and Kathryn Muriel Larsen: $50, in loving memory of our son Victor Larsen and special friends we lost this year: Thelma Burman, Alan B. Mara Jordaan, Tim Weir, Diane Dibble and Byron Cressy

  • Rodney E. Frykholm: $200, in memory of family members who passed on

  • Beverly K. Myers: $100, in memory of Ruth and Bart Gillespie

  • J. A. Beay: $50, in memory of John and Paul Roelse from Judith Search and Matt

  • Pamela Mortensen: $100, in memory of my Grandpa Larsen, who loved Christmas

  • Kerrie L. and Federico Cortez: $50, in memory of my two favorite Bills. Bill Fairfield and Bill Winterteen. I know you both made a difference for many people.

  • Charles E. and Ann Frances Elliott: $200, in loving memory of Jean Elliott and John Schiavone and in honor of Angie Schiavone

  • Elizabeth Ammons: $100, in loving memory of David and Robert Ammons from Victoria and Elizabeth Ammons

  • Anonymous: $25

  • Joe Wigert: $104

  • Louis and Susan Samonsky: $100

  • This week's total: $1,428.50

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Bellringer: Veteran gets help to stabilize health, find housing