Disabled Iraq War vet faces February eviction in wave of gentrifying SW Detroit   The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4553 in Southwest Detroit is issuing a call to action to bring attention and raise funds for a disabled Iraq War veteran being evicted just a few doors down from its location. The veteran was given a 30 days’ notice January 28th even though he is not in arrears and has been a model tenant. The VFW is advocating on his behalf and set up this Go Fund Me account to assist him with the unexpected costs of moving and getting into new housing. The veteran, who wishes to remain unnamed, served in Iraq with the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division where he experienced extensive combat. He was honorably discharged due to his combat related injuries and returned home to Southwest Detroit where he was born and raised. He took on the job of Case Manager at a local homeless veteran’s shelter to help fellow former warriors who suffer from addiction and homelessness. His passion for service continued until his combat wounds would no longer allow him to function and remain employed. The Veterans Administration has determined that he is 100% disabled. The veteran’s apartment on Plumer street is only a few doors down from Southwest Detroit’s only remaining veterans’ organization, VFW Post 4553. His home was recently purchased by a suburban developer who is evicting him in order to begin renovations for more lucrative tenants. The neighborhood is home to many who served including those in the veteran’s own family; a grandfather in Korea, an uncle in Vietnam and his brother currently on active duty in the navy. Southwest Detroit is experiencing a wave of gentrification and many lifelong residents are being quietly forced out as investors snap up properties in anticipation of higher income residents associated with Ford’s Michigan Central development The irony of a veteran dedicated to helping homeless veterans now facing the prospect of homelessness himself is not lost on him or the VFW, “Here is an American who fought for his country and his comrades both in and out of uniform.” Said VFW Post Commander Luis Garcia. “He put his life on the line for us, paid a dear price and now the very least we can do is ensure he has a roof over his head during a frigid February.”

Anonymous

Dario Canoy

Timothy Castaneda

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