Helping veterans help themselves

Helping veterans help themselves
By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: January 6, 2010

TEMPLE TERRACE - Connie Blaney is a staunch believer in liberty and justice for all.

In her former role as an administrator for the Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office, however, she witnessed the inequities of a government founded on those very principles.

She said she was saddened by how our society fails to provide for honorably discharged veterans, many of whom suffer the effects of post-traumatic stress syndrome, who find themselves penniless and living on the streets.

For that reason, Blaney has devoted the last four years of her time and money to providing shelter and helping to secure social and financial resources that enable homeless vets the opportunity to regain the self-esteem she believes they deserve.

In 2006 she founded Liberty Manor, a nonprofit organization that offers affordable, transitional housing for male veterans and is designed to help them support themselves.

Blaney and her husband, Bill, with the help of contributions from the community, have purchased and renovated four homes - Liberty I in Tampa, Liberty II on the border of Temple Terrace, Liberty III in Carrollwood and Liberty IV in Largo.

All facilities are filled to capacity, which means that at any given time 48 fewer veterans are on the streets. Some of the men serve as housing directors, and others strive to live on their own. Blaney estimates the organization has assisted close to 300.

"I've been very blessed," said Army veteran Bill Brown, 47, who was referred to Liberty II a couple of months ago. "I really felt comfortable from the first day I came here. It gave me more insight on other veterans, and I now know I'm not the only one who has problems. And Connie goes nonstop in her efforts to help us."
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Helping veterans help themselves