A comfortable shelter is a necessity for empowerment that many veterans fallen on hard times to do not have access to. This was the case for Air Force Veteran (’98-’01) Jessica Gerig, who was between homes when she reached out to Indy Warrior Partnership (IWP) for support.
As a previously homeless veteran, Jessica took temporary shelter in an RV while she worked with InteCare to secure stable housing through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. During this time, a dramatic drop in temperature caused Jessica’s furnace and water system to break. This left Jessica with no heat or running water for her and her 2 cats. After learning about IWP through social media, Jessica connected with IWP Community Coordinator, Abby Pequignot, to see if there was anything we could do to help.
Abby worked quickly, knowing that the cold weather created an additional layer of urgency to Jessica’s unfortunate situation. IWP provided Jessica with two 7-gallon jugs of clean water and a heated blanket. Those resources helped Jessica get by, and we are happy to report that she was able to be placed in an apartment soon after.
When Abby followed-up with Jessica to see how things were going in her new home, Jessica noted that, though it is an incredible improvement, she is still unable to afford a refrigerator or living room furniture. Not long after speaking with Jessica, Abby presented her case at a community coalition meeting, hoping for a solution. After the meeting, Lisa Wilken of the Indiana Veteran Support Council, reached out to Abby with resources for Jessica. Lisa provided contacts for people willing to provide Jessica with a fridge and furniture, which she should be receiving soon. IWP will continue to keep a line of contact with Jessica to provide resources and support to meet her needs.
We are proud to support not only veterans like Jessica in creating a stable home life, but our network of community partners and citizens who are willing to help out veterans in need. Indy is stronger when our veterans are stronger. Connect with IWP to learn more about how you can give back ot the Indy veteran community by visiting our website and completing an online form: www.indywarriorpartnership.org