Our Hero: Sgt Angel Alvarez
After furnishing Sgt. Alvarez's apartment, we took a moment to sit down and talk. We asked him about the last few years of his life.
"The last couple years have been trials and tribulations, a little bit of adversity. I was homeless twice. My PTSD and issues I had from my combat experience affected my school and my work. I was always trying to conquer and overcome, and I did for a while — but then I would find myself homeless. I was living in my car for almost 8 months and that made my symptoms even worse. I didn't feel safe, it set off all my red flags. I felt lost. I was just trying to find my mission and purpose after I got out, but I was struggling to reacclimate. I know that sounds cliché, but that's how it's been. Luckily, being the tough Marine I am, I could keep on persevering. It was a struggle. I didn't have any support, and didn't have the team like I did in the Corps. I was alone, disconnected."
"2018 is going to be a better year. I have a feeling. With God on my side and being in a safe community — it's home. I just graduated from a program at the Aspire Center. I'm not cured, but I'm better equipped to deal with my symptoms. I have support networks, breathing exercises, and therapies. I have my body right, my mind right."
"This apartment was the last piece. I just wanted to have a place where I can feel safe — not just a place to lay my head, but a place that is home. Before I had a lot of mix-and-match things, stuff that I found on the street because I couldn't afford more. I couldn't afford this — this would take me a long time. I'm super, super grateful to you guys and appreciative, and it makes a big difference. I apologize about the crying, but it's so new. After struggling for so long, all these good things are happening and it's a little overwhelming."
We were honored to furnish Sgt. Alvarez's apartment and be a part of all the new and good things happening in his life. Wishing this hero the very brightest future!
