© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

After Completing Employment Program Former Homeless Veteran Looks To Future

Courtesy: Robin Rollins

George DeSantos lives in El Paso. He says that after a divorce and the death of his father, alcohol and drug abuse led him to being broke and on the streets of El Paso. However, he says that his life changed on a Christmas Eve several years ago when he found himself at a homeless shelter.

“You slept on the floor; you had to eat what they gave you," says DeSantos. 

While at the shelter, DeSantos sought help and found treatment which has led him towards getting back on his feet. He has remarried and recently graduated from the from the eight week community employment program that is offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. DeSantos says he was proactive about making the changes in his life.

“You have to come out and pursue those things…It’s not going to come to you on a silver platter.”

DeSantos says that the “Job Club” he is part of with the program helps veterans prepare for employment through workshops that offer help with resume building, mock interviews, higher education information, and networking opportunities.

“Job club is to learn from each other and share what’s going on,” says DeSantos.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide there are 573,000 unemployed veterans in the United States. 59 percent were 45 and older, 37 percent were 25 and older, and 4 percent are unemployed ages 18 to 24.

As of July 31st, 2015 The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the unemployment rate in El Paso is 5.3 percent compared to 7 percent the same time last year.

DeSantos says that after completing the job program he feels confident that he will be able to find full-time work. He says this is just one small step towards his future.

“I felt like it was another accomplishment that I’ve already conquered. That I’ve already shown them, that this is one more think that I’ve done now…I was proud.”

DeSantos says today, he tries to “pay it forward” when he meets any veterans who may be in the shoes he was years ago, because so many people helped him get to where he is today.