WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Did you know there are nearly 10,000 people experiencing homelessness in our state?
That's why the Salvation Army says it's doing what it can to house some of them and give them a second chance.
Anthony Bowser is a 4-year Navy veteran who lives in Winston-Salem. He received that second chance for himself and his family in the form of a 12-month apartment lease.
“That’s one of my little joys, you know? Take her for a walk across the street, there is a little trail that’s perfect!"
For Bowser and his daughter Nylah Rae, that wasn’t a possibility as he and his family were without a place to call their own.
"We've lived with other people, we've lived with friends, family and it's just something about having your own space, you know," Bowser said. "No one telling you when to come and go or how to live. So, it's definitely an experience that I want to enjoy.
Now, thanks to the Salvation Army of Winston-Salem, they have a second chance at a new life.
“There is nothing like seeing the expression of a person’s face who not only has a roof over their head but has a place to call their own," said Matlum Barnes with the Salvation Army.
Barnes is an outreach Case Worker with the Veteran's Assistance Program, where he specializes in assisting unhoused veterans to not only acquire that fresh start, but help in anyway they can.
“We help those who are homeless, those who need help in paying their bills, rent, their mortgage," said Barnes.
8-year-veteran Grover Leon Faulk, who lives in the duplex above Anthony, can attest.
“I got out of the military; I came home and got a job here and there. The jobs kind of fell through and sort of put me in a bad situation. Went to the Salvation Army and asked for help," said Faulk.
“No one really chooses to be homeless. It’s just that people make decisions that put them in a position. You know, I'm sure if everybody had their choice, they would love to have a place to stay," proclaimed Bowser.
Now both Bowser and Faulk have made that choice.
“They've inspired me to keep it, and to just not go down that path again," said Faulk.
And just as they served their country with dignity, their country now will give them the dignity of a home that they deserve.
“I've had a lot of ups and downs in my life. I've learned a lot. I've grown a lot. So, I feel like this is a new chapter that I've just started, you know," Bowser said.
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