Local programs work to get veterans off the street, back to work

Sadly, it isn't hard to find a homeless individual in Shreveport.

Even more troubling, several of them are our country's heroes.

Veterans like James Bryant can't find jobs.

"I've been to other places like Dallas and Kansas City. Shreveport has been the hardest place for me to find a job."

Bryant served in the Navy during the Cold War and says he became homeless due to substance abuse but Veterans Affairs and the VOA has done a lot to help him.

"Bascially, the VA, you know, got me straight, helped me get back on my feet."

The local VOA has several federally funded programs to get vets off the streets. They help them get food, affordable housing and even an education.

Bryant says he's getting a degree.

"Studying to be a computer network specialist. I've got one more semester to go on that."

The Shreveport Volunteers of America says Louisiana has a high number of homeless veterans, and the number they help locally has gone up due to the economy.

Timothy Paige with VOA social services says the reason is because vets can't find jobs in Louisiana.

"You know, due to the economy, veterans are out overseas on duty and coming back, and there's no jobs here available in Louisiana for our veterans," Paige said.

The VOA can house more than 50 vets at their location.

The Shreveport Bar Association, Volunteers of America and Department of Veterans Affairs is offering free legal advice to veterans.

The free clinic will be on Tuesday, October 9th, from 11 a-m to 1 p-m.

That's at the Volunteers of America Highland Center, located at 520 Olive Street In Shreveport.

You must bring proof of service and valid identification.