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Strong Veterans. Strong Community.

Strong Veterans. Strong Community.

Upstate Warrior Solution believes that strengthening our veterans strengthens the entire community. In the case of local veteran Chris B., his transition from homelessness to gainful employment proved to also be a win for one of our employment partners.

Chris served in the U.S. Navy from 1992 to 1994 as a Machinist Mate, deploying once to the Middle East.

He was referred to Upstate Warrior Solution by the VA. At the time, Chris was experiencing homelessness in Greenville. He was on the waitlist for a HUD VASH housing voucher and sleeping on the steps of a church at night. He was employed as a day worker but was actively looking for full-time employment as a machinist.

Our team helped Chris begin the process of applying for housing through Alston Wilkes Society and simultaneously worked to identify job opportunities that matched his qualifications. In July, we collaborated with Utility Partners of America (UPA) on a lunch and learn to match job-seeking veterans with their open positions. Believing it could be a good opportunity, we alerted Chris who took an Uber to attend. He went to the wrong address at first, but, undaunted, he took a second trip to the correct location. His determination paid off. Not only did UPA offer him a job on the spot, but it was a traveling position, which meant his housing would be covered.

Today, Chris is in the full swing of his new job with a roof over his head while he gets back on his feet financially. These kind of scenarios where we are able to help meet the critical needs of our veterans by also supporting the workforce needs of partners like UPA is a major win for all.

I am making strides and succeeding. Last year at this time I was in limbo. I would like to thank everyone at UWS. I do hope that you continue to assist those veterans who have lost their way. To my fellow veterans: don’t quit on yourselves.” – Chris B. | Navy veteran

UPA is committed to working with UWS to improve the lives of Upstate veterans. We are especially proud that in conjunction with UWS we were able to get [Chris] stable housing with meaningful employment. We currently have job openings across the U.S. and encourage those interested in a new career to apply.” – Rob Driver | UPA