Join the Tampa Bay Times in the sixth installment of an occasional series as they follow residents’ emotional and transformative journey at Innovare VOAF’s new affordable housing development.

Rodney, a Navy Veteran, once enjoyed a life filled with success and stability, boasting a house, car, and a secure job after transitioning from military to civilian life. However, his world was turned upside down in 2021 following two heart attacks in quick succession. These medical emergencies drained his life savings, leading to the loss of his house. Rodney was then forced to live in his car until it too was repossessed. Amidst these challenges, Rodney found a glimmer of hope when he moved into housing provided by Volunteers of America of Florida (VOAF).  Unfortunately, Rodney’s streak of bad luck…

Join the Tampa Bay Times in the Fifth installment of an occasional series as they follow residents’ emotional and transformative journey at Innovare VOAF’s new affordable housing development.

By Nicole Griffin | Spectrum News 13 “Homeless veterans in the area has doubled, maybe even tripled, but the thing I see most, I have been doing this for 18 years and the thing that I see coming around now is seeing more and more homeless veterans that are seniors guys that are in their 60s, 70s and 80s who, because of the increase in rent are able to keep their housing, they wind up getting evicted, having to leave because they can’t pay it,” Locklear said.

In 2011, Joy’s husband passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. They had been together for 18 ½ years. Prior to his passing, they were living on his disability, so when he died, Joy had no income. Joy sold what she could to try to keep her home and later tried to stay with friends. Eventually, she began living in her car, at the local Walmart parking lot. During this time, Joy was seeing a psychiatrist to address symptoms from her bipolar and depression. Her psychiatrist put in a referral to Volunteers of America Florida’s Sebring Program.   Joy…

Kevin served his country as a field radio operator for four and a half years while stationed in Pendleton, where he traveled the world to ensure the safety and efficacy of communication channels. After spending about 20 years living overseas, Kevin returned home to Fort Myers after his father brought him a plane ticket, missing him terribly. Kevin decided to stay;  Tragically, his father passed away in 2019, triggering a series of health issues that included heart problems, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. The loss of his job added to the mounting challenges, transforming his life into an uphill battle….

Transitioning from military life wasn’t hard for Ted, likely due to his athletic background emphasizing discipline and structure. Yet, navigating civilian job opportunities to align with his former military role as a signalman presented challenges.  Unexpectedly, Ted discovered his new calling within the hospitality and food industry. Utilizing the precision and discipline learned from managing flags, spotlights, and Morse code, he began serving up delicious food from a truck he co-owns with another veteran. On top of this, he also works at a popular local restaurant as the head of their events and wedding catering division.  Ted’s life took a…

Join the Tampa Bay Times in the fourth installment of an occasional series as they follow residents’ emotional and transformative journey at Innovare VOAF’s new affordable housing development.

Witness the poignant milestones and gritty challenges in the third installment of an occasional series by the Tampa Bay Times.

After 15 years in Pinellas County, Mr. Kissinger’s life took a tough turn. He lost his apartment and lived in his car until it, too, was taken away. He hit rock bottom with nowhere to turn and just the clothes on his back. He found a spark of hope at Safe Harbor, which led him to Pinellas Hope. Surrounded by others in similar situations, he received meals, a place to sleep, and help rebuilding his life for eight months. But Mr. Kissinger was aiming for a stable future. With Pinellas Hope’s guidance, he contacted Volunteers of America of Florida and…