Did You Know?
Families constitute about one third of all homeless and are the fastest-growing group of homeless.
HomeAid, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) corporation. Federal Non-Profit Tax ID No. 33-0673009.
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John Wagner, Sacramento, CA
The story of John Wagner is just one example of how HomeAid helped a transitionally homeless person get back on his feet.
John Wagner, a 58-year-old honorably discharged Navy Vietnam Veteran and current resident of the Sacramento Veterans Resource Center, recently expanded by HomeAid Sacramento, is an example of someone whose success is a product of numerous agencies working together to help U.S. veterans regain self-sufficiency.
Following his military service, John became a self-employed professional photographer, slowly building a moderately profitable business around assembling publicity portfolios for people in the entertainment industry, as well as covering occasional large community special events.
When the economic downturn of 2001 occurred, its impact on John's business was amplified because of his highly specialized niche market and his lack of accumulated reserves. He also found himself behind the curve of technological changes in the professional photography field and unable to upgrade his equipment to stay competitive.
By July 2003, John had reached his lowest point. With no income, he lost his business, his apartment, and his hope of getting back on track without outside intervention.
In 2003, John began his journey back toward self-reliance. With the assistance of a Veterans Administration representative, John was referred to the Sacramento Veterans Resource Center where he successfully completed a host of programs, including a computer literacy program sponsored by the Center.
John proved to be a model resident, working hard to overcome the barriers that had placed him in his present situation, and building his self-esteem and self-confidence on a daily basis.
In February 2004, John was able to re-acquire a business license and purchase a high-quality digital camera. A fellow resident of the supportive housing program helped him develop a website where he could showcase his business and talent.
In March 2004, John was contracted to do "shoots" for American River College. Since then, John's business has grown rapidly, so that he now has an office downtown.
Fortunately, when more current equipment was needed, the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) was able to provide John with a quality computer that is necessary to show sample work to potential clients.
John recently remarked that his business is at the point that he will soon need to hire an administrative assistant to keep him on task and his schedule filled with clients.
John, with his innate talent and drive to succeed, gives hope to thousands of temporarily homeless individuals and families in this country.
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