Connect with us

Eugene

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

Published

6 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…

Oregon20 hours ago

Oregon Sen. Wyden accuses Trump of “another desperate attempt to make it harder for Oregonians to vote this November” after administration threat against election officials

Oregon – U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden criticized the Trump administration after Oregon election officials were warned they could face criminal...
Oregon20 hours ago

“No President can use their office to profit from corrupt crypto schemes,” Oregon Sen. Merkley responds after report raises questions over Trump’s crypto ventures

Oregon – U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley is renewing his push for legislation aimed at preventing presidents from using their office...
Eugene21 hours ago

Eugene Springfield Fire rescues cat and dog from RV fire that displaced family in Springfield

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire crews rescued a cat and a dog from an RV fire early Wednesday morning...
Eugene21 hours ago

Eugene Police Department arrests 50-year-old man after DUII crash involving truck and trailer on I-105

Eugene, OR – A 50-year-old man was arrested for driving under the influence after a single-vehicle crash involving a truck...
Eugene21 hours ago

42-year-old motorcyclist dies after crash with vehicle at Royal Avenue and Legacy Drive, Eugene Police say

Eugene, OR – A 42-year-old motorcyclist has died following a crash involving a vehicle at the intersection of Royal Avenue...
Oregon3 days ago

Sen. Merkley says “GOP’s agenda is families lose, billionaires win” a year after Republicans “forced through” bill he claims slashed programs for working families while giving tax breaks to billionaires

Oregon – “One year ago, the GOP forced through the Big, Ugly Betrayal—slashing the programs working families count on to...
Oregon3 days ago

“Trump continues to profit off of his presidency,” Oregon Sen. Wyden responds after reports show President Trump made at least $1.2 billion from crypto last year

Oregon – Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is criticizing President Donald Trump following the release of a new financial disclosure reporting...
Oregon3 days ago

“Trump is single-handedly holding it up,” Oregon Sen. Merkley urges President Trump to sign bill he says delivers the “biggest investment in housing in 30 years” ← Best

Oregon – Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley is urging President Donald Trump to sign what lawmakers have described as the largest...
Eugene3 days ago

Driver cited more than $1,600 after allegedly driving 80 mph in 35 mph zone in Eugene

Eugene, OR – A driver in Eugene received more than $1,600 in citations after allegedly traveling 80 mph in a...
Eugene3 days ago

Eugene Police respond to nearly 110 fireworks-related calls during busy Fourth of July weekend

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department responded to nearly 110 fireworks-related calls over the Fourth of July holiday as...
Eugene3 days ago

Eugene Police search for missing, endangered 67-year-old woman with dementia and Parkinson’s

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a missing and endangered 67-year-old woman...

Trending