Former homeless veteran in Jacksonville: From a park bench to local leader

Hemming Plaza veteran's resource center manager and former homeless veteran Od' Juan Whitfield Job fair and resource awareness event at Hemming Plaza

Private First Class Od'Juan Whitfield knows how to reach the homeless in downtown Jacksonville. A few years ago he and his children slept on park benches in Hemming Plaza, just outside the front door of City Hall.

Today, Whitfield is a social worker who manages a veteran's resource that is located inside the public library, across the street from Hemming Plaza. His mission is to help other homeless veterans have access to the Internet, find employment coaches and guide them and the public with their perception and reception of veterans re-entering the community.

After accepting the Mayor's Challenge to end Veterans Homelessness, Mayor Alvin Brown sought out veterans to develop strategies that could help reach this goal. He recently partnered with local organizations, among them Whitfield's and, within the first four months of operation, 17 formerly homeless veterans were able to find permanent housing through their collaboration.

Last April 21st, several organizations and service providers and agencies, including HUD, held a job fair resource awareness event Hemming Plaza. Homeless veterans received information on housing opportunities and employers lined up to hire veterans.

If you are or know of a veteran in need of housing, go here (www.changinghomelessness.org/contact-us/) for supportive services for veteran families.

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