Mobile Vet Center Van visits NN

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Help for veterans rolled into Newport News today.

The Mobile Veteran Center offered information on benefits and services, and counselors were available to help veterans in many ways--from information on all the programs the Veterans Administration offer to homeless issues.

Veteran David Johnson moved to Hampton Roads in 1977 when he joined the Navy. He used to have a roofing business and a house in Hampton. Now he is homeless and spends his days begging for money. He likes the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Mercury Boulevard.

"That's my spot. Lunchtime, dinner time, seven days a week." Johnson said.

The Mobile Veteran Center Van came to the intersection of Jefferson and Mercury in Newport News to help homeless veterans like Johnson. "I didn't even know they were going to be here today. I got off the bus for my corner and saw them over here so I came." Johnson said.

Mary Esther Austin isn't homeless, but she does has a tough time getting around.

She has had six major surgeries in the last year and needed help making sure the VA system was working for her. She uses crutches and gets around on a scooter, so she is glad that the mobile van can come to her.

"They just gave me some very valuable advice on how to best meet my needs, and they also helped me project my future needs," she said.

Johnson thinks the van is important too. "A lot of people can't get to the VA administration in Hampton to take care of business. To get out there in the community is a good thing." he said.

Johnson filled out some forms and got the process going to help get him off the streets, but he still headed back to his street corner to try and raise enough money today to put a roof over his head tonight.