Bernard “Ben” Hessell hasn’t kept up much with the war in Iraq. A 68-year-old Korean War veteran whose life was often threatened during his tour of duty, Ben says he is now fighting a war of his own.

My wife died in 1992, and I lived in our home with my stepson. I finally left the house to him and moved in with my stepdaughter. Then I got an apartment and lived on Social Security and food stamps, but couldn’t make it. I lost everything. I went to the Veteran’s Hospital for a week and my suitcases were stolen. Now I’m just kind of an old bum I guess.”

Ben supported his family for decades as a telephone technician, but after his wife died, respiratory and family problems took their toll. In October 2002, he came to Open Door Mission looking for shelter and help relocating to the drier climate of Arizona. “My family is scattered and the VA lost my records,” he says. “I’m not combating mental or drug problems. I just need a place to stay.

A 2002 Association of Gospel Rescue Missions survey reports that 24% of homeless men staying in rescue missions are veterans — about 40% of whom served in Vietnam. Ben says VA programs cannot help with relocation or with the support he needs to live independently “Whatever life deals me, I have to take. I just wish I didn’t have to be alone,” he says. “I’ll just be another soul in Arizona.” But Ben has appreciated the friends he has made and help he has received at Open Door Mission.

‘Pastor Pete (director of ODM’s men’s ministries) helped me ever so much. He realized my disabilities and my age. I owe my thanks to him,” says Ben. “There are people here with a heart and it warms me to know they are here.”- Ben

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