A Viral Facebook Post Helps a Homeless Veteran in Altoona

A Viral Facebook Post Helps a Homeless Veteran in Altoona

Homelessness is an issue that is endemic to the military community. And when one man came across a homeless vet, his plea for help did not go unheeded.

homeless

Jake Holloway posted about his experience with the homeless man Tuesday. Holloway wrote that he had noticed a silver Jeep in the parking lots of the Altoona Walmart and Target over the past few weeks. He noticed an “I served” Iraq sticker in the back window and decided to stop and talk with the man.

During the exchange Holloway wrote he learned the man, Nick, returned from serving overseas and his wife left him. All he had was his Jeep and his dog. Nick told Holloway he had just gotten a job with the DOT but hadn’t been paid yet.

Holloway posted to Facebook , asking people to help Nick out. “If you see him. Out of the kindness of your heart. Do something nice for him or his best friend(the boxer dog). Few bucks. A gift. Some dog food.. that’s my request..Makes me sick to see a soldier on the street.”

The comments on Holloway’s post show people stepping up to help the veteran. Within hours dozens of people stopped by the Altoona Walmart to drop off money, gift cards, even dog food.

Someone even came forward to pay for a hotel room for Nick for a week.

We all can make a big difference for those in need, if we’re just willing to pay attention and speak up.

Share this!

Enjoy reading? Share it with your friends!