Kappa Sigma Provides Homeless Veteran Housing

Robert H. Lewis: 72 years old, retired Army veteran who was deployed in Vietnam was rescued by a Code of Vets member who is an EMT. He collapsed from exhaustion and malnourishment. When he collapsed, he landed hard on his hip and has been having issues walking ever since. He was taken to Anaheim Hills Hospital and was then moved a few days later to Windsor Gardens Skilled Nursing Center where he is currently receiving care. I had gone and visited him on January 10, 2019 where I sat and talked to him about his life and found out who he was as a person. When we let him know I was on the way, he had requested chocolate ice cream as he hadn’t had it in years; so, I brought him two tubs of it. During my visit, I learned that he had a stroke 5 years prior and it had left the left side of his body significantly weaker; most assuredly a factor to his collapse. When I spoke to him, I saw a great man in a terrible situation. Even though he’s been on the street for several years, is injured, and still concerned about ending up back on the street, he was eager to talk to me and we were laughing together. I talked to the staff and asked what he’s like to have as a patient. I was flooded with only positive remarks. One nurse said, “He’s such a bright spirit. He’s amazing to have as a patient, always cracking jokes, has everyone’s name memorized, and is not difficult in any way.” Another told me, “This man deserves a better life than he’s been given. He’s so kind even though he’s in pain and scared.”

I told Robert that he has support from a lot of people. I told him that I go to UC Irvine and I pointed to my Kappa Sigma letters on my jacket and said, “You have a group of guys that are right with me that are going to make sure that you don’t return to the streets. You have a nation of veterans and likeminded people who are going to make sure you get taken care of. We are here for you Robert, you’ve given so much to us, and we are going to return the favor.” His eyes began to water, and he reached out and grabbed my hand and thanked me.

It’s moving experiences like this that fuel our drive as people to go out of our way to lend a hand to people who need it most; and that’s what we are doing. Kappa Sigma and I are going to begin a fundraiser to pay for an apartment for Robert while he is on the waitlist for VA Housing. We are not going to let him return to the streets where he will likely die. We will help this man, and many other men and women who have given our country so much. We owe it to these people; and Robert is just the start. Thank you, Gretchen, my father Derek, and all the other veterans for their service; you are so appreciated. Me and my Brothers of the Mu Delta Chapter of Kappa Sigma are acting now and will have housing for Robert H. Lewis when he is released from Windsor Gardens. -Malik Carmichael