Northfield, Vermont- Brighter days are ahead for Mathew (Matie) Wessel, 42, who recently invited FOX44's Jackie Morlock to his new apartment.
Two years ago, a fire ripped through the veteran's previous apartment in Wilder, Vt., leaving him homeless.
"I was really down for the longest time," described Matie.
But, things are looking up thanks to support from a group of mothers of deployed soldiers.
Matie found shelter at the Veterans Place in Northfield; he has been staying here for about a year. It's just one of Vermont's transitional housing facilities supported by Blue Star Mothers of Vermont-- an organization for mothers who have children serving or who have served
"Some of these guys they don't have any outside support. They've got nothing. Family has totally cut them off," explained Karen Boyce, Administrative Manager for the Veterans Place.
She says that is why the work of the Blue Star Mothers has been such a blessing.
"It's my honor to give back and serve vets who have selflessly served us," said Valerie Pallotta, president of the Blue Star Mothers of Vermont.
She, along with four other women, successfully chartered the non-profit a year ago. The group focuses on veterans who move in and out of transitional housing.
The group also serves them monthly dinners and organizes household drives to get them what they need to move into their own place.
"Just helping them set up their apartment so they don't have to worry about where they are going to get a bed or a couch and a chair, I think is a relief for them," explained Pallotta.
Matie says it is a relief that has given him a more positive outlook on life.
"It makes me feel that I'm wanted," said Matie.
This unique organization says all the money raised stays in Vermont to help the state's veterans.
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