Christopher Brader served overseas with the United States Navy, but his life back home has hit rock bottom.
"The struggles that I have had are very devastating. Most of it stems from being unemployed," said Brader, an Exeter Township native who recently moved to Reading.
Brader is a homeless veteran. He received a supportive services grant, but the money ran out. Now, he lost custody of his six-year-old son and is sleeping on a friend's couch.
"I was unable to secure a job fast enough and there were no resources willing to take my son and I in at that time," said Brader.
Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer joined First Lady Michelle Obama in the "Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness."
On Wednesday, Spencer hosted a panel to discuss the widespread problem, which featured representatives from the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness, Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs, the Lebanon VA Medical Center, Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program, Veterans Making a Difference and Veteran Supportive and Permanent Housing.
Officials revealed at least 43 veterans are homeless in Berks County, a number that does not include about 600 who are considered couch surfers.
"The main objective is to create a sustainable network for our homeless veterans," said Spencer. "I think it answered a lot of questions a lot of people had."
Over the last three years, the Obama administration and its partners achieved a 24 percent decrease in homelessness among veterans, said officials.
"I've been married for 32 years, but the past three years I've been married to her [daughter's] care," said Shari Fortin, whose daughter, Kimberly Cundiff, suffers severe PTSD from military sexual trauma.
Cundiff, pictured, served in Iraq with the U.S. Army. Luckily, her family has been dedicated to her care, but Fortin said females especially need help, and many families have given up.
Part of the first lady's goal is to end veteran homelessness by the end of 2015. She wants there to be a place for every homeless vet to sleep. Spencer has now developed a group to reach that same goal and help vets transition back to civilian life.
"They promised to give up to and including their lives to keep you safe. All we're asking is to give them a fair shot," said Cherokee, with the second brigade motorcycle club. "Help them fit in. Find them a job. Help them stand on their own outside of the military and help them stand on their own in the civilian world."
"The group is going to continue to meet because we need to understand what the progress is and where we can do more," said Spencer.
To learn more about joining the cause, visit the Mayor's Challenge website or send an email to mayorschallenge@hud.gov.
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