At
71, West Virginia veteran Clarence B. has experienced more than
his fair share of ups and downs since he left the Marines Corps. That he survived, and is now thriving,
is testament to his tenacity. It’s also a tribute to a determined network of
community supporters who refused to quit on Clarence.
In the 1970’s and 80’s while he was working on
the railroads as a yard conductor he began drinking heavily and using
drugs. Clarence’s life journey took a downturn as result of the people he associated
with. That lifestyle stayed with him for two decades.
He then spent three years in construction before being
incarcerated for nine months. He then went into trucking where he worked until diabetes prevented him from being able to work.
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| Clarence at HVAF |
After his health declined and he lost his
job, Clarence moved to Indianapolis in 2002. He found various roofs over his head by
staying at the missions, a situation that lasted two to three years.
In 2014 Kevin’s house went into foreclosure at which time he came to
HVAF. He was at Carson Apartments for 18 months. He met with an HVAF Case
Manager who helped him.
In October, Clarence moved into his own apartment. He was able to double his income by obtaining veterans’ benefits and social security while
at HVAF. He remains clean and sober.
“I didn’t have my head together back then,” Clarence said.
“Keep your head up and have people around you to give support.”
