Peter's Transformation Story
Peter, a homeless Vietnam Veteran, returned from the war as a different person. He couldn’t shake the horrific sights and sounds that he had witnessed as a soldier.
After losing several jobs, and his marriage, Peter had given up. He lost his house and his will to live. He turned to drinking to soothe his pain and within weeks he found himself among many of the homeless that filled the encampment at the Anaheim Riverbed.
After years of just existing, Peter hit a wall of destitution and hopelessness. Following several suicide attempts, he stumbled into the Anaheim Red Shield’s church service. “I wasn’t successful at anything at this point, including killing myself. So I went to church hoping to make a bargain with God,” said Peter.
Something miraculous happened to Peter that day. “A miracle happened.. I can’t explain it any other way. I didn’t take another drink following that service, and for the first time in my life I felt hope again.”
Peter began to volunteer at the Red Shield whenever he could. Captain Corrine Perry saw his progress and helped him get a housing voucher, which meant that Peter, for the first time in over two decades, would have a permanent shelter of his own…a home.”
Today, Peter is a part-time staff member at Anaheim Red Shield. “My life was transformed thanks to The Salvation Army and the Lord,” Peter said, wiping away a tear. “I’m filled with gratitude for all the blessings in my life.