As Veterans in the Twin Cities transition from homelessness to housing, MACV case managers often use Bridging to help bridge the gap and furnish Veteran’s homes with essential items. Looking to give back to the community, four Veterans, Mike, Damon, Chris, and Daniel, signed up to do the Bedrace for Bridging!

Army Veteran Mike lives in an apartment that feels like home thanks to Bridging. Mike shared, “as soon as I walk up to my apartment building, I have a huge smile on my face. The freedom feels great!” Mike lived in MACV Building 47, where he made key connections for a solid foundation before finding an apartment with assistance from MACV. Mike advises veterans needing assistance to “give MACV a chance because I’ve had nothing but good experiences.”

Navy Veteran Damon has been living in his apartment for a week. He described being in his own space as “liberating.” Before moving into his apartment, he lived in MACVs building 47, which Damon described as “a stop-gap that prepared me for being in my own space.” Damon is grateful for MACV, for support from the Elks Club and Bridging! He is on the list for Bridging to deliver items soon.

Air Force Veteran Chris lives at MACVs Building 47 and will need Bridging when he is ready to move. He is working on stabilizing, getting ready to return to school, and looking for ways to give back. Chris shared, “without MACV, I’d be living on the streets and still dependent on substances.” Once he finds a permanent place to call home, MACV will use Bridging to help furnish his place.

All MACV Veterans who signed up to do the bedrace for Bridging are at different stages on their journey home with MACV and Bridging. Still, they had a blast going down the hill and were glad to have the opportunity to highlight two organizations that profoundly impact the community.