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…

Oregon8 hours ago

Governor Tina Kotek announces major housing plan targeting older Oregonians with millions in new funding aimed at stabilizing housing conditions

Oregon – Governor Tina Kotek has announced four major housing actions designed to help older Oregonians live safely and independently...
Oregon8 hours ago

Governor Tina Kotek issues statement on second quarter revenue forecast, warns of several challenges affecting Oregon’s financial future and economic outlook

Oregon – Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the state’s second quarter revenue forecast, addressing Oregon’s budget...
Oregon8 hours ago

Governor Tina Kotek advances dozens of board appointments impacting major state agencies for Oregon Senate confirmation, covering health care and education

Oregon – Governor Tina Kotek has submitted a list of appointments for state boards and commissions to the Oregon Senate,...
Eugene8 hours ago

Eugene Springfield Fire drill field busy with live fire training, recruit exercises, and equipment testing

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Springfield Fire reported a highly active training day at its drill field, where multiple crews...
Eugene8 hours ago

Eugene Springfield Fire responds to gas leak report at Santa Clara commercial building on Division Avenue

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a commercial alarm after a reported gas leak at a building...
Eugene9 hours ago

Authorities investigate hit-and-run crash involving bicyclist struck by stolen truck in Eugene

Eugene, OR – Authorities in Eugene are investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle...
Oregon1 week ago

Oregon leaders push back against federal health care actions with major new laws, Gov. Kotek signs laws protecting providers of gender-affirming and reproductive care from lawsuits

Oregon – The State of Oregon advanced a package of new health care laws aimed at strengthening access to reproductive...
Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Police arrest 22-year-old man for DUII and reckless driving after wrong-way crash on Beltline Highway

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department arrested a 22-year-old man following a wrong-way driving crash on Beltline Highway. According...
Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Springfield Fire responds to motel fire on West 6th Avenue, no injuries reported

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a fire at a motel in Eugene on May 12. According...
Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Police arrest 26-year-old man in April stabbing investigation

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a stabbing investigation that...
Oregon2 weeks ago

Oregon Democrats spark statewide political backlash after blaming Trump for gas price surge, as Republicans slam claims and accuse them of dodging responsibility amid rising fuel costs

Oregon – A growing political debate in Oregon over rising fuel prices has drawn indirect references to former President Donald...

Trending