Connect with us

Eugene

A Home for The Holidays: Eugene Veteran Gets Housing In New Downtown Apartment

Published

5 years ago

on

Jose Gutierrez’s cheeks hurt from smiling. And he’s finally laughing like he used to.

For this first time in years, he has a roof over his head and a place to call home, thanks to local agencies.

“I’m not looking over my shoulder anymore,” Gutierrez said.

He served in the U.S. Marines from 1973 to 1977 and was honorably discharged. But Gutierrez, 68, experienced chronic homelessness for the last 20 years.

Between the threat of police asking him to move on and the danger of being robbed by others in desperate situations, it’s been a while since Gutierrez felt safe.

And he’s not an anomaly.

Veterans make up 10% of Oregon’s unhoused, an estimated 1,300 people, according to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Lane County data show that in October, at least 281 residents were veterans experiencing homelessness.

Related Topics:

You may also like…

Crime & Safety15 hours ago

2-year-old child was Ieft with her deceased mother for days after the woman was kiIIed by her partner, who claimed that an aItercation over infideIity led to a struggIe over a firearm, which resulted in the fataI shooting: DA

Kentucky – A Kentucky man, 30-year-old J. Tompson, was convicted last week of murder and possession of a handgun by a...
Eugene2 days ago

First responders appreciation BBQ brings community and local agencies together in Springfield

Eugene, OR — First responders and their families gathered Thursday at 3188 Gateway Loop in Springfield for the First Responders...
Eugene2 days ago

Eugene officers visit pre-K class to build early community connections

Eugene, OR — A group of Eugene police officers and Community Service Officers spent time last week visiting a local...
Eugene2 days ago

Eugene Police honor civilian and deputy chief for lifesaving actions

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department recently recognized two individuals for their heroic actions during a critical incident earlier...
Eugene2 days ago

Drivers clocked going nearly 90 MPH on Beltline as summer traffic enforcement ramps up in Eugene

Eugene, OR – As summer approaches and students prepare for the end of the school year, traffic enforcement officers are...
Eugene2 days ago

Police respond to report of armed juvenile and shots fired near Eugene high school

Eugene, OR – Eugene Police are continuing to investigate an armed dispute involving a group of juveniles after responding to...
Eugene4 days ago

Eugene Springfield Fire warns of brush fire risk after debris burn spreads near Pine Grove Road

Eugene, OR – Despite a long and cool spring, fire danger remains high in Lane County. On May 23, just...
Eugene4 days ago

Eugene Springfield Fire to host community blood drive on June 5

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire is calling on the community to take part in its upcoming blood drive on...
Eugene4 days ago

Eugene offers free weekly heritage rose garden tours through summer

Eugene, OR – The City of Eugene Parks and Open Space is once again partnering with the Eugene Heritage Rose...
Eugene4 days ago

Fire destroys home and outbuilding near Dorris Ranch, all residents safe

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded early Tuesday morning to a house fire on the 600 block of Dorris...
News5 days ago

Customer dies after he compIained about his meaI order when an employee cIimbed out the window following a comment the victim made towards him, only to then pull out a firearm and kiII him: police

Florida – A Florida drive-thru estabIishment empIoyee, 23-year-old EIijah, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree premeditated murder after...

Trending