U.S. Veteran Robert T.’s Story: My Bridge Back to Hope and Helping Others
A U.S. Veteran, Robert served in the Persian Gulf War. Following his service, he dedicated years of his life to helping people in the community as a firefighter and critical care paramedic.
“I live with PTSD and stress because of the situations I encountered. I’ve been through hard times. I want people to understand that mental health issues can happen to anyone, and there should be no stigma surrounding it.”
After living abroad for many years, Robert moved to Minnesota to focus on his healing journey. He discovered resources that helped him transition to housing stability and build a fulfilling life in the Twin Cities.
“I stayed at the Salvation Army Harbor Lights shelter for two months. I felt comfortable and safe, and the staff was so helpful. The CRRC case manager helped me get a Section 8 voucher and took me around to find an apartment.”
“MACV stepped in and helped me integrate into the community and into my new home,” he says. The organization and caseworkers set people up for success. They provide what you need to begin again.”
Through MACV, Robert secured a partner agency referral to Bridging where he furnished his home. What he experienced was beyond his expectations.
“Everyone I met was friendly and caring. I was a little shy and nervous. They made me feel comfortable. They said, ‘Pick what you want.’ They made me feel like, ‘This is all for you.’ They also reminded me of things I might need. Things I didn’t think about. That was really special.”
“I saw the things I needed, and there were such nice things to choose from, like a futon bed and a nice table that matches. Everything fell perfectly into place. I found a chair that caught my eye. I got a bed and dresser. I thought maybe I got too much, but I got just the right amount.
It’s been six months since Robert returned to Minnesota and started his journey back to stability. He is grateful for the people and resources that have made his transition easier.
“Bridging turned my apartment into a home. I am grateful for Heritage Landing and the extra effort necessary in accepting me as a resident of one of their beautiful apartments with excellent amenities.”
“I started from ground zero. I utilized the services that are available. I have finally put homelessness behind me. I have hope. My life is getting better and better. I’m ascending. Now I get to help people.”
Robert is excited to share his passion for wellness and yoga with others. A yoga instructor, he hopes to teach classes at Veterans Affairs and a local studio. He explains how breathwork and yoga are excellent tools for deregulating the central nervous system, and he hopes to help Veterans learn these helpful practices.
Robert also plans to become a peer support specialist at Veterans Affairs, walking alongside Veterans in their unique journeys to recovery.
“I want to give back that which was so freely given to me and help others overcome homelessness by sharing what I have learned from my experiences.”
“Bridging, it’s like a gift, a beautiful reminder of a great start to a healthy and prosperous life. I’m so happy, and I’m so grateful. I’ve gone this path. Now I can help someone else.”
Robert expresses his gratitude to the many agencies that helped him while working alongside Bridging and “all the people that have literally assisted in giving me a new life!”
Costa Rica Recovery (CRR) foreign medical program, Harbor Lights Salvation Army, Every Third Saturday (ETS), Hennepin Health Care (HPC), Shapiro Clinic (DBT) Dialectical Behavior Training, Hopkins Elks Lodge #2221, Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC), Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), Volunteers Enlisted to Help People (VEAP), Heritage Landing, and finally Bridging!