David currently lives with his youngest daughter and son in a small apartment in El Cajon where he endures maintenance issues that go unaddressed and gang activity in the crime-ridden neighborhood.
He was medically discharged from the United States Marine Corps in 2007 after serving proudly for 16 years. His service included multiple combat tours and overseas deployments. David sustained a major spinal injury during special operations training in Japan, which causes him chronic pain.
After his injury and medical release, David went through a period of addiction to painkillers after spinal surgery. Now four years sober, he goes quarterly to the VA to receive epidural injections into his spine to assist with the permanent nerve damage and physical limitations as a result of his injury.
David’s injuries, combined with his PTSD, render him unable to work outside of the home. He is living on a small fixed income that includes VA disability and social security all while supporting three children: his son, who is in high school, and two daughters in college.
A home with a room on the ground floor will be a positive change for David. Because of his disability, he has trouble with stairs, and he occasionally falls down in his current apartment.
David has positive goals for his family’s future, and his new home in Lakeside will help him realize them. Habitat is proud to work with this deserving veteran toward his dream of owning a home to call his own.
