Eliezer (Eli) Lorenzo, a Veteran who was in one of Heaven on Earth for Veterans’ (HOEV) student houses, shares his experiences from HOEV after being there for one year.
“I’ve been so busy. I am involved in a research project that I am conducting regarding homeless Veterans and those that are disconnected. I am also a research assistant for a psychologist at the department of mental health in Puerto Rico were I was hired to work once I am done with this phase of the PHD.
Here in Boston, I am doing clinical with substance abuse as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist. I am sharing this with you because without you and Sheila (from HOEV), I would have not been able to continue school and be here today. I hope that Sheila is recovering and doing well. Anything you need from me you ladies got it.”
“I am eternally in your debt and the program that you have is a life saver for many of us students Veterans when displaced.” – Eli Lorenzo
Founded in March 2013, Heaven on Earth for Veterans, Inc. (HOEV) provides quality living spaces for veterans in need. HOEV is a 501(c)(3), non-profit. The organization’s founders include 3 women: a retired Army officer, a real estate entrepreneur and a communications specialist with a background in non-profits.
HOEV purchases and fully furnishes houses in Pinellas County to offer living spaces for veterans who cannot afford to own or rent on their own. We include all household equipment from silverware to linens to pots and pans to laundry facilities. Veterans lease private bedrooms and share the common living areas. The cost of renting a bedroom ranges from $400 to $600 per month. All utilities are included as well as cable and internet access in the common area. In addition, common areas within the homes are cleaned by a cleaning service biweekly.
An additional long term goal of HOEV is to provide free, temporary housing to veterans to bridge the time gap between requesting financial support and actually receiving that support. In short, once an individual is verified as a veteran, they and their family will not be homeless – they will be given a free, safe, transitional place to stay.
To learn more about HOEV, click HERE.