CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — There can be an emotional toll that comes with bills that pile up at times, putting a strain on bank accounts.
It can be especially difficult on families who might already find themselves on the brink of homelessness.
The Salvation Army of the Coastal Bend wants those who may be struggling to know they are not alone, especially local veterans.
The organization offers a variety of programs to help with things like rent and even utility bill assistance for not only qualifying veterans but their dependents or surviving spouses as well.
The work that is being done at The Salvation Army of the Coastal Bend is nothing short of life changing.
Social Service Manager, Kyle Knutson, works with those who have fallen on hard times.
"There's no veteran that should be on the streets. They deserve better," said Knutson. "Our job is to house them as quick as possible and get them back on their feet."
That is where a $300,000 grant from the Texas Veteran's Commission is helping provide that lifeline, specifically for area veterans and their families who might be facing disconnection of utilities or even eviction.
"We can pay their rent, go back or go forward and pay their rent, they just have to show there's a need so meaning they have to be behind on a bill, or some kind of eviction notice, or show on their utilities they're behind, or disconnection notice," he said.
The re-occurring grant began back in 2018.
Knutson said every veteran qualifies as long as they've experienced homelessness at some point in the last two years.
"Last year our number we served over 240 veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses," he said.
It's a big number that illustrates the big need.
"They're vital, everything is so expensive I can barely afford my rent," Knutson said. "It's even more sad to see veterans who fought for our country fall on hard times so it's very important, we step in and mitigate that problem."
He said not enough people know about the program and explained the assistance is offered beyond Corpus Christi, including a number of surrounding counties.
The Salvation Army also has transitional housing available for any veteran experiencing homelessness.
They'll pair veterans with a case worker to help them find a job, secure housing, budget better and even help them go back to school to get you back on track.
"We can rapidly re-house you into an apartment really quickly or if you are behind on your rent, get you caught up and pay 3 months forward," he said.
To learn more, give the Salvation Army a ring at (361) 884-9497.
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