Homeless veteran stands tall next to government officials

Homeless Jacksonville veteran tells his story after officials speak on the subject
Officials address the national problem Wednesday at the Clara White Mission.
Posted: August 15, 2012
By Matt Soergel

Ronnie Hellum’s eight years in the Army were the best days of his life.

He had structure. Purpose. An important job. A steady paycheck. People depended on him.

After getting out, he was adrift. And over the years he’s suffered many losses: His son, murdered at 17. His family. His freedom, after running afoul of the law. His job. And his health — he ended up profoundly depressed.

Two years ago he became homeless, sleeping under bridges, in bushes off the side of the road.

But on Wednesday, Hellum, 56, stood right next to some national and local leaders as they talked about the nation’s responsibility to help veterans who have ended up homeless.

U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, a retired Army general, came to the Clara White Mission in downtown Jacksonville. So did Mayor Alvin Brown and U.S. Reps Corrine Brown and Ander Crenshaw.
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