VISTA, Calif. — A Vista home for Wounded Warriors recently got a much-needed and expensive makeover.
Wounded Warrior Homes house military veterans transitioning back into civilian life.
From moldy walls in November to a newly renovated five-bedroom home in Vista.
“Countless repairs, a water leak, and a bathroom that removed a wall and a cabinet, and we had mold. And then we had shower water leaks, replaced all three showers, two new floors,” said Mia Roseberry, Wounded Warrior Homes Co-Founder.
Roseberry says $35,000 in repairs were needed in the home. There were water leaks and damage in the bathroom, shower, and kitchen. There's also a fresh coat of green paint on the home, new bedroom furnishings, and a new heating and ac unit.
“It was devastating because that's five beds we can't offer; that's five veterans or more that are out there on the street contemplating suicide,” said Roseberry.
The non-profit co-founder started the organization in 2012 to provide transitional housing and support for military veterans.
Insurance wouldn’t pay for the water damages, so the non-profit relied on community donations.
“I just want to thank the community because, without the community support, we wouldn't have been able to get this house back to where it is and back online,” said Roseberry.
Wounded Warrior Homes has three homes in North County. One is for women, and two are for men.
U.S. Marine Sgt. Luis Garcia says he first met Roseberry in 2019.
“They found me literally off the streets out here in San Diego. I was recently going through a divorce at that time. I was one of the ones that did not want to ask for help,” said Garcia.
The combat veteran received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal six years earlier. It's one of the highest U.S. Marine awards for heroism.
As Garcia told his story, he hugged Roseberry and thanked her for allowing him to thrive.
He recently graduated from mechanic school in Riverside and just moved into the renovated home.
“It has been a stepping stone in a big way,” said Garcia.
This home lays the foundation for veterans' futures and gives them a sense of purpose.
“The purpose of a home is to give us a safe place to land. And to be able to think of what our next step is. And if you're not in a safe place at night, then you aren't the best person you can be when you go to work or school the next day,” said Roseberry.
Some injuries may not be as visible as others, but Garcia says wounded warrior home saved his life.
“From as little as the socializing to being able to go out and talk to a community again,” said Garcia. Financial classes, even education; I'm a graduate now. So that's a good feeling. It's a good thing to say.”
Wounded Warrior Homes houses veterans with the invisible injuries of military services, such as post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury. WWH veterans can stay up to two years in the home on an as-needed basis while they receive support like counseling and rehabilitative services.
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