I am sure REPUBLICANS would have had another answer for him.

would prefer to have "soul" rather than a kitchen full of food.

Thank you!

You're most welcome but again, I only passed this on to Social Services and wanted to keep an eye on where it would go. His request for kitty kibble seemed a stretch, for they would rather feed the VETS and the animals come last...but they assured him He would get kitty food, and brought out the rest to make sure he had enough for the rest of the month. I guess Veterans benefits only go so far, and not everyone is 100% Disabled and can get that higher ranking check.

You were aware and made the call, many would not have.

So yes, I thank you.

well done!

Do Buddhists always get their wings when a bell is heard? If not, Red Bull works..

Make a big difference.

It has always been such.

Thank you.

And thank you.

For doing the little thing.

That made a difference.

Just doing whats right!

has the means either, I didn't know the City had any kind of emergency food thing in place. Of course if you are sick, you can go to the ER, but where do you go when someone is broke, can not get to a food pantry, or to a place for a hot meal? Its good its in place...nice to know its part of San Francisco.

youthful energy!

I was in the hospital about four months back with Heart Failure. So, I am trying to keep up with my medications and medical appointments as well.

I warn young people, though it's doubtful most listen, take care of your body or it will kick your butt down the road. I learned the hard way.

Be well!

Thanks!

City of San Francisco had such a program... its good to know.

Arigatou!

I remember it as "don't touch my moustache" from when I was in Japan in the '60s.

yes! Very good!

This Vet may not be the only one having to make a decision of whether to feed himself/herself and a pet. Some cities have a Pet Food Bank. You might want check around to see if San Francisco has one and, if so, keep that information handy for the next Vet that might need it.

The Animal shelter has free pet food for poor people...the problem though, for this veteran is he has no transportation to get there. It takes a bus, a cab or a car to get there. He has none of these. He takes free Transportation to the VA hospital...but that transportation is only for the Veterans Hospital and back. Perhaps there is something Social Services can come up with an answer to... maybe the city has a program for transportation for people who are disabled.

of working with the Animal Shelter to open up a "branch" of the pet food bank at the VA Hospital.

Wish I did...I can ask our Social Services if they can find a way to provide transportation for him if they have any options available.

I have seen other forms of Transportation bring Veterans to the VA Hospital, so perhaps they will provide an answer.

Just as an example. Where I live, a person can call to be picked up by an ACCESS VAN for a small amount (which may be waived with paperwork) or they can get free cab service for the low income disabled.

This man sounds like he is eligible for Medicaid, that's what funds this. If not eligible, there is still help available, but they get a permanent disability card from the state meaning they are unable to get around.
With low income, they do not have to pay for these services.

The food bank here has the ACCESS VANs coming and going for people to get food and that includes pet food. This would a good way of him having a steady supply of not only rice, beans and ramen, but fresh produce and a variety of other healthy choices.

Where I live, the food bank is an access point for all the kinds of services that can be obtained, from housing, education, transportation, health care, employment etc. If he was here, the ACCESS VAN shuttle bus or a cab would take him wherever he needs.

Here are links I found googling 'San Francisco, access' and 'disabled transportation':

Veterans Resources

http://sf311.org/index.aspx?page=744

San Francisco Access Guide

http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/accessibility/San-Francisco-Access-Guide.html

Accessibility

http://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/accessibility

Here is a government site, but I can't access the site because it's Facebook or some other system.

I can't find the disabled part but it was listed in the search results that gave me the site:

http://sfgov.org/

Thanks for being who you are and doing the right thing.

The vet talked to the right person, and you did what you could. And it worked.

That is wonderful.

And I am so saddened that this vet had to worry about eating or feeding his pet. This is not how it should be for anyone, and especially not someone who put their life on the line for this country.

You know there might even be a VETERAN on DU who is in the same position right now. Bet on it.

IF YOU are in this position, or may happen to fall into this position, than seek out a social worker at any VETERANS ADMINISTRATION Facility. This Vet happened to be at the hospital having blood tests as well as other things going on. I have seen and talked with him before...and I knew his information and was able to pass it on to the Social Services department, and they contacted him.

Veterans need to know there is help out there for them, if they ask for it. I know some are so proud they would rather starve to death, rather than ask for help. I know a few Veterans like that. Some of them didn't even want to sign up for benefits, because they were taught to be self sufficient. Some times you have to ask for help, even if its an humbling experience.

Good job!

I am certainly tired of Republicans opening their mouths about how THEY LOVE the soldier who fights in the field but doesn't give a damn about the Veteran who comes home from those wars...bloody and beaten.

Once it's done, Republicans couldn't care less.

Only while they can personally benefit from something is it of any value.

what a wonderful story, and wonderful sentiment and efforts on your part! you're an angel.

and by the by, when he thanked you, did you happen to ask if he's registered to vote?

no further nudge needed; just make sure he's registered.

gracias!!

I can verify it next time he comes in. The problem is transportation to the Voting booth. But then of course, He can have Ballots mailed to him. Many people do vote by mail these days.

Permanent Vote-By-Mail Voting

Any registered voter may become a permanent vote-by-mail voter. As a permanent vote-by-mail voter, you will automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot for each election. To become a permanent vote-by-mail voter, you must complete an application, which is available from your county elections official, or you may use the California Vote-By-Mail Ballot Application.

Your permanent vote-by-mail status will only end if you do not vote in four consecutive statewide general elections.
http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_m.htm#perm

The application can be printed up at the site at the link.

I vote by mail myself. Thanks.

... from another veteran.

You did a very good thing!

Social Services program for Veterans. Things like getting Shower chairs to Transportation for veterans who need help getting to the VA hospital and making it to their appointments on time. I guess now I know they help with food as well. Getting a hot meal to Vet or a bag of groceries though the City of San Francisco Social Services is a pretty big deal in my book!

you are indeed an angel. I'm glad to know that such a program exists to assist our Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country!

IT was through the VA hospital Social Services ...that was able to connect with the CITY of San Francisco Social Services for this to be possible. I am not sure the city of FRESNO or San Jose has such a similar program... this may just be San Francisco or other larger cities in California. I don't know frankly, just glad it was in place.

The companion animals of people living alone are vital to the health and welfare
of their human and should also receive support.

I don't believe his cat is a service animal but it probably should be. In any case, looks like it will be fed for the rest of the month!

Thank you so much for helping him and his cat.

Kitties need love too!

Two of my closest friends are Navy vets, and thankfully both financially sound, and a young cousin I love dearly is in the Air Force currently. To think any of them would be in the shape this veteran was in breaks my heart. For you to take the imitative to get aid for this vet and for social services to take care of not only him but his pet... I have no words.
You have shown compassion and integrity and I hold great respect for you.

Thanks for taking care of this vet in need.

Buddhism has angels, but hey ...I like it. If not, like I said above...
A shot of Red Bull should do the trick!

you're sweet.

Bravo!

Last edited Tue Mar 18, 2014, 04:27 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm always impressed by the care and professionalism that's shown to all the vets there.

It's really a godsend.

Again, thank you for doing your part as well.

that words cannot describe. Thank you for all the wonderful things you do to help others. If I'm ever in SF I'll have to try to meet you so I can give you a big hug of thanks! X 1,000,000

Last edited Tue Mar 18, 2014, 12:47 AM - Edit history (1)

I don't really meet people from the internet, but thank you for your kind words

You made my day in so many ways...




peace~

Spread the word a bit, and let Veterans know that there are programs out there that can help them too. He was extraordinarily lucky that I had access to people in Social Services. There are many people at the Veterans Administration and Volunteer Services that probably do a ton more than I could ever do.. and I was just happy to help.

Imma gonna call the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS...




YOU HIT one out of the PARK today!

Go Giants!

Perhaps one of the alternative newspapers?

It is important to know the plight of the Vets, but also of the good work done by Social Services.

Perhaps even write the mayor.

And to tell you the truth I don't want to stand infront of a news camera telling this story. Its a small deed that more or less can happen any day, provided VA people know about it. I would rather it stay on DU... its a small celebration, and I would rather it be taken that way. I don't give out my address to anyone on the internet, and its bad enough I have had internet stalkers in the past. Post it on Twitter or Facebook if you like, but I would much rather not have Local TV people show up at my door, or The SF Chronicle. Social Services deal with this every day.. I just had a small hand in it, and don't want a down town ticker tape parade, if you don't mind

interview social service people to write an expose about the needs of the veterans.

Social Services, and they would rather not have that kind of exposure either. People don't do this kind of work for publicity, they do it cause they care and there are a lot of Veterans who still need help. In the City of San Francisco there are many homeless Vietnam Era vets out on the street. If you would like to help them, may I suggest contacting Swords to Plowshares and donating to their worthy cause!

http://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/

You 'done good'.

Yoi Yume (good night and pleasant dreams)!

I just hope people find a way to help a Vet...this is a good way. This little organization does a lot of good for Veterans as well:

http://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/

You'll be labeled a serial carer.

Omedeto Gozaimasu Ojousama. Kyo wa moto hikari wo dekimashita. {Hope my spelling and grammar are alright, I get so little practice.}

Wakatta, arigatou!

As a veteran who lives at the largess of Department of Veterans Affairs with 100% service-connected, disability, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for looking out for my fellow brother/sister in arms. It is difficult to see veterans who do not qualify for all benefits available, but who must live as best they can, trying to survive in a world where cold hearts rule with little compassion for less fortunate humans. Thank you!

Needed something to make me happy...thank you!

for more good feelings, check out my friends at Swords to Plowshares, they
help vets everyday... They originally helped me become a volunteer at the VA Hospital. Vets who visit there are also helped each day, as does the VA Hospital.

http://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/

What a wonderful organization...

I think in so many cases all it takes is for someone to say something to the right people. I used to work at the other end of a complex with a Salvation Army food distribution center, and even here where there is a lot of need there is plenty of food donations to go around. Every other weekend or so the center would go through and throw out what was expired or wasn't in demand. I have to say, it always made me sad to see a bunch of food in the dumpster, knowing how many people it would make a big difference to, if only the right people knew who to call.

Your posting!

and we're all very proud of you for your part in it, despite the fact you keep down-playing it, Miss Kimi!

I'm wondering what's in store for this gentleman in terms of follow-up. Sounds like he needs someone checking in with him and to bring him some groceries on a regular basis. So may vets have no family support to speak of, so they need another kind of safety net.

But YOU did well today!

Social Services. From what I understand, things like Meals-on-Wheels will only deliver food if someone is labeled Home bound. Home bound means confined to a wheel chair or unable to get out of bed because the patient is in a respirator, and restricted to bed, with a visiting nurse.

I am not totally clear on these details. The food came from the City of San Francisco, so it maybe up to them what will happen next. Their Social Worker will probably go out and interview them and then who knows what will come next.

A Veteran who is not quite 100% disabled can put in for further disability provide they will qualify for it. The other thing too, is that many Veterans don't want further financial assistance because they have served their country, and do not feel the need to be helped any further. I am sure you may even find DU Veterans who refused to take assistance when It was offered to them.

I personally know a US Marine Veteran, who was released from the Corps because of a Jeep Accident that crippled both her knees. After surgery, she was released, and while she certainly qualifies for Assistance, refuses to take it, because she does not want "Government Handouts" nor thinks people should be "entitled" to them. These are her opinions, and while I disagree with her statements, I would not try to persuade her to do something that she was uncomfortable with. Not every Veteran will ask for help.. which is why earlier in these posts I posted a plug for Swords to Plowshares, which does help those Vets who need a place to live, rather then allowing them to be "pulling themselves up by their own Boot straps" in the great outdoors. Living under bridges, or in building alleyways is no place for any homeless person. Some of these proud Vets demand to be self sufficient but if they are starving in an Alleyway...something has to be done, and despite all their pride, they should be given a choice of adequate shelter and a good source of food.

Hau‘oli

Everyone Knows I am Sweet and Sour!

Hmmmm tempting.

But I was thinking about something way more suited to the magnitude of how much of a difference you made in someone's life, if only for a short while.

Would that each and every one of us took the time to be so special.

And I may see them when they come to AT&T park...

and you too AsahinaKimi! It makes me so sad that anyone is without proper food. I do the best I can to help others. I'm glad so many here at DU do the same!

2:10am in the morning! Glad you also get to help others. Its an amazing thing to do, and sometimes it actually works out in a way where everyone is happy.

I <3 Limi.

Kidding... I enjoy volunteering at the VA HOSPITAL. Even if its making coffee and bringing around cookies for the Vets.

your kindness and caring are rippling goodness across to many. so glad kitty and vet now have full bellies.

He lets me know..in his own kitty way.

and everyone else who made this happen.

Obama Fist bump!!

that peeked through a a cloudy storm front...
..you warm the soul...

Thanks.. and its even a lovely day again in the City By the Bay!

and thank you for posting.

Haven't visited for a while. Maybe it's time.

Thank you for looking out for one of Vets

This was one of many with a shortage of food. I know in other cities there are a lot of homeless Veterans that need the dignity of getting work and shelter. Some need medical help and others may need help with such things as PTSD.. and other problems, associated with War Trama. People can only do so much, and many as I said before will refuse help, so you need to find out what they need and hope you can provide it. I encourage everyone to help a Vet in the best way you know how.. Donations to places like Swords to Plowshares or other Veteran facilities in your area. Donate to food pantries if you can.. Feed the Homeless programs that are out there.

One called Feeding America..http://feedingamerica.org is a good start.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

Some volunteer their time. It doesn't take up much effort to pick up a phone and make an inquiry, sometimes it works out, sometimes there are dead ends. Many times there are dead ends, but if a person makes an effort, maybe they can get around that wall.. and find another way to help.

This poor man also needs some green veggies and some citrus - maybe orange juice - for the vitamin C. The potatioes will help; the sweet potatoes will help supply the Vitamin A that the green veggies would. Hope he has a frig, but if not, that might be the reasoning for the potatoes vs. green veggies. And you have to give people what they like to eat, or they just will thank you and let it rot (this is an unfortunate truth for some - not all, by any means).

I hope they are looking into getting him some more benefits, so he can live more of a life.

They called and asked him, what he needed, and I am sure he was probably thinking in terms of having food around for a while. Packages of Ramen can go quite far, if you already have potatoes and Sweet potatoes. They can sit on the shelf. He knows he has high blood pressure so will likely throw away the little packets, and just use the Ramen along with the low sodium Tuna. I can see his point, if you are trying to extend your food out to the end of the month, you want to have more than just Rice as a staple.