SAN DIEGO—
He may not have a golden voice but Timothy Jenkins gets another chance at life.Left homeless for nine years when his life was ruined by alcohol and bad choices, the Vietnam veteran is finally off the streets of San Diego. He was offered a one bedroom, one bath apartment in Serra Mesa area. It's all part of the San Diego Partnership Registry Week Campaign.
"I am feeling very excited and very anxious," said Jenkins. "I am not used to being on carpet but I'll get used to it."
Jenkins was one of more than 700 homeless surveyed last September in Downtown. Of them, nearly 200 were military veterans.
After analyzing the questionnaire, officials granted 75 homeless a permanent home. Each funded by the Veterans Administrations.
"It's taking lives and getting them off the street one at a time," said Ron Roberts, County Supervisor. "There is another 50 that will also be taken off the street who don't have a military background."
The help doesn't stop here, Roberts says local programs will also be offered.
"You don't just give them housing and forget about any issues they may suffer from. We want to also address any mental or health problems."
So far the program has helped five other veterans.
As for Jenkins, it will take him a few months to settle in and furnish his new place but lucky for him, he won't be starting his new life alone.
"I am really excited for my fiancée because she was out on the street," said Jenkins. She is going to be really surprised and I can't wait to see the look on her face."
