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Overview

I need transportation to assist with my employment search, getting to class, and making my appointments at the Oakland VA. This includes a Clipper Card that can be used on BART, AC Transit, MUNI, and any other Bay Area transit agency.

Meeting this need will help me because I have difficulty making it to job interviews and other appointments without an income to pay for transportation. If I could use the BART and buses, I would be able to make better use of my days and also avoid the missed appointments that set me back with my goals.

After I left active duty in September of 2011, I worked with a friend from the service in his private business. As business slowed down, I had to leave that job as my friend could no longer afford to pay me. I was able to scrape by with occasional carpentry jobs for the past year or so, but that eventually dried up.

Now I am staying in a transitional living program for Veterans in Berkeley, CA. While I have this opportunity I am working on gaining employment as a firefighter as well as continuing my education.

If I am able to focus on my job search without needing focus so much time and energy on simple things that people often don't think about such as transportation, I believe that I can find a job and go back to the professional and purposeful life that I had when I was in the service.

I'm from Berkeley California, where I still live. Something interesting about me is that I like Classical Music and Chess. I'm happiest when I travel to foreign lands. I'm most proud when I make my Mom proud.

I have been in the US Marine Corps for eight years, and I hope to continue my service as a wild-land firefighter.

Watch Anthony's video

Validated

Validated by Anthony from Berkeley Food and Housing Project (What does this mean?)

We met when Smithers came to the shelter looking for a bed. Since that time, he has entered our Veteran's Grant Per Diem program, and he has been a focused and driven resident every day. He likes to wear a full suit and tie each day as he goes about his business. He is the most professional looking client that I have worked with.

I think meeting this need is important because it will allow Smithers the freedom to focus on his goals instead of always spending all his time and energy trying to fulfill the basic requirements of life.

About Anthony

I am an Assistant Supervisor at the Berkeley Food and Housing Project. We provide meals, shelter, and guidance to homeless and at-risk individuals. People from all walks of life come through our shelter and Veteran's Transitional House, and we provide services to help them make goals for themselves… Read more