Homeless veteran in Arizona remains hopeful during holiday season
Dec 18, 2014, 11:08 AM | Updated: 11:08 am
PHOENIX — An Army veteran is hopeful she can leave homelessness behind.
The holiday season is keeping Tempestt Washington optimistic that she will find stability in the Valley.
“I served my time and ended up in Georgia,” Washington said. “I felt stagnant there and I thought about it for a long time, almost didn’t come. I feel like if you don’t take a chance you will never know. You never know what’s going to happen.”
Valley of the Sun United Way recently held Project Connect — an opportunity for homeless people to connect with dozens of organizations that could provide solutions.
Washington said she received a lot of useful information and guidance.
She said she’s thankful for all the support she’s received and hopes other veterans who find themselves in the same situation don’t lose hope.
“There are a lot of benefits, a lot of opportunities and a lot of people willing to help all veterans,” she said. “I hope veterans do research and take advantage of the services.”
Washington, who has two degrees in the culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu, isn’t finished helping protect the country. She signed up for the U.S. Army Reserves.
In the meantime, she hopes her culinary background and education will help her land a job.
