A Homeless Military Veteran's Plea for help!

My name is Caesar, and I am a 23-year veteran of the British Army. I served my country in Afghanistan and Iraq, but now I face a battle far more challenging than any I encountered overseas: homelessness. The trauma from my military service has left me with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, complicating my current situation.

I have struggled many times with life's battles to the point I tried to make significant attempts at taking my own life. I was in a very dark place which led to finding myself on life support and waking up after a couple of day being in an induced coma. My children almost lost their dad because I felt lost and hopeless feeling that I had no way out and when I was at my lowest my wife of 17 years decided to leave me. I was emotionally and financially devastated. I was forced to leave our shared family home, for which I pay half the mortgage on.

Staying would have created a toxic environment that I didn’t want for my children. I reached out to various military and civilian charities, but because I have a mortgage, a car, and a job, I am not classified as homeless on paper. However, the financial burden of child support, mortgage payments, and other bills has left me struggling.

For the first couple of months, I slept in my car, often going without food for days. Thankfully, a few friends helped provide meals, but those nights in my car were spent during the coldest months. Without warmth—sometimes relying on my car heater for brief moments—I struggled to get adequate sleep. I applied for emergency housing through the local council in March, but despite my military service and dire circumstances, my request was shockingly denied. Meanwhile, I see the government readily providing housing, food, warmth, and funds to immigrants in four-star hotels, while veterans like me are left to fend for ourselves.

After nearly two months in my car, friends generously offered temporary shelter. However, Inknow this is not a permanent fix but the financial strain of having to pay a mortgage, child support, and private rent is unsustainable. My goal is to acquire a cheap, reliable van that I can convert into a mobile home, providing me with a safe and stable living space as I work to rebuild my life and manage my mental health.

This GoFundMe campaign aims to raise funds for the purchase of a suitable van and the essential materials for its conversion. This will give me a much-needed sense of security and independence. Your contribution will directly assist in securing a safe and affordable living situation and will help raise awareness of the struggles many veterans face.

Any amount you can contribute will be deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your support and for considering my story.