Anger motivates developer to house vets
April 24, 2012
EVA KILGORE
Real-estate developer Matt Heslin is an avid cyclist. As he rode the streets of Orange County and Los Angeles, something disturbed him greatly.
"As I rode, I continually saw very young homeless men and women," said Heslin. "I'd see them at the beaches, on freeway off-ramps, in river beds, and under bridges.
"In talking with these young people, I learned many of them are veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars."
Heslin says they've come home and have been turned loose into society without any reintegration plan to make the transition from soldier to civilian.
"Many are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and can't function in society," said Heslin. "They've ended up jobless, homeless, and living on the streets."
The more Heslin heard, the angrier he got. He visited the Veterans Administration and asked for ways he could help. Then, he took action and founded Serene Haven, a Home for the Brave.
Heslin invested $3 million of his own money to start the nonprofit group. He purchased three apartment buildings in Hyde Park and the West Adams area to house homeless veterans and help give them a fresh start.
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