Ex-Homeless Veteran Reaches Back For Others

Formerly Homeless Veteran Hits Streets to Help Others Get Back on Their Feet
The Chronicle
By Aaron Kunkler
December 9, 2016 Just like the folks he now serves, Lamont Grodeck used to be homeless.

Lamont Grodeck, who runs his own veteran-based homeless outreach called American Pride Associates, sorts through clothes as he helps a needy person find extra warm clothes for a cold week ahead on Wednesday evening at the Centralia Train Station.
Pete Caster

As he stood outside the Centralia Train Depot on a cold Wednesday afternoon, he scanned for familiar faces as people walked past the transit center. Grodeck runs his own veteran-based homeless outreach called American Pride Associates, and he said working from that angle, as a veteran, he understands homelessness presents its own challenges for those who have served.

“We’re too damn proud to ask for help,” he said.

Grodeck, his wife and son comprise his outreach and head down to the station every Wednesday with a large tote container he calls “Monty’s Box.” It’s packed with items like socks, razors, gloves, hats, Bibles, sleeping bags and more. He’ll set it up and wait for people to come by, where he’ll offer them some essentials and conversation.
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