Community comes together to support pregnant veteran

Homeless veteran gets assistance

Community_comes_together_to_support_preg_301370000_20130208020053

Community_comes_together_to_support_preg_301370001_20130208020109

Community_comes_together_to_support_preg_301370002_20130208020113

Community_comes_together_to_support_preg_301370003_20130208020119

Community_comes_together_to_support_preg_301370004_20130208020124

Community_comes_together_to_support_preg_301370005_20130208020127

Community_comes_together_to_support_preg_301370006_20130208020131

Community_comes_together_to_support_preg_301370007_20130208020140

Community_comes_together_to_support_preg_301370008_20130208020148

Posted: 02/08/2013
Last Updated: 106 days ago

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -  A call for help from a homeless veteran turned into an outpouring of support. Dozens stepped up to help that veteran who's just two weeks away from giving birth.

 "We don't know if it's a boy or girl, we just know it's a baby who needs our help," said Ben Patten of Bakersfield Harley Davidson.

The baby will now come into this world with a roof over her head.

 "A nine-month pregnant female veteran came into our office looking for assistance because she is homeless," said Deborah Johnson of the California Veterans Assistance Foundation.

California Veterans Assistance Foundation provided housing for the veteran and put the word out to the Kern County Veterans Collaborative that the woman also needed newborn supplies.

 "It's kind of amazing because we thought we'd just get some diapers and some bedding and maybe a car seat and a crib, but we got everything she needed and more," said Johnson.

 Bakersfield Harley Davidson collected the donated supplies. The Armed Forces Support Riders helped donate and delivered the materials. Those groups all came together to help the 32 year-old veteran; who became homeless just six months after leaving the military.

The pregnant veteran served 12 years in the California National Guard with a tour in Iraq. She wanted to remain anonymous, but was grateful for all the help.

"Our focus is just to make sure that she is doing fine and that she delivers a healthy baby. We are going to be right there supporting her," said Johnson.

 

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


  • Marketplace

Stay Connected

Send us a News Tip Send us a News Tip
Mobile & iPhone/Android Apps Mobile/Tablet Apps
Twitter Twitter
Facebook Facebook
YouTube YouTube
Community Calendar Community Calendar
ClevelandLaw.tv BakersfieldLaw.tv