Wallace Murphy

Santa Rosa

Disability: Head Injury, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Headaches

Wallace is a Navy Veteran who grew up in the very small community of Preston just north of Cloverdale.  This is a river community and much of his time was spent out doors with his friends on the river. This helped Wallace develop a deep love for the outdoors. 

Wallace enjoys backpacking and exploring in nature. His last trip he hiked down the railroad tracks from Hopland and explored the 5 train tunnels. “Since they don’t run trains anymore, it’s a nice path along the river”.

He was homeless on the streets of Santa Rosa and struggling with alcohol addiction when he went to Vet Connect. Vet Connect helped him get into a treatment facility and there he found out about Interfaith. Interfaith has been a strong support for him and to this day, they continue to check in with him to see how he’s doing. “I have nothing but good to say about Interfaith”.

Vet Connect also referred him to DSLC’s Monday Orientation to help him get his SSI benefits. He met with paralegal, Lisa Trumbly. “She helped me with so many things. I don’t read or write so good.  She helped fill out all the paperwork and the attorney even drove me to San Rafael to my SSI appointment.” With the help of DSLC he was soon receiving SSI benefits checks. “With my SSI paperwork being good, I was able to reapply for my VA benefits. Vet Connect helped me with that.  It only took 2 months and I had my VA medical insurance”. With all of these things coming together, he was able to apply and receive a HUD voucher. He now enjoys a stable home in Santa Rosa.

I asked him if he would recommend DSLC.

“I’d recommend DSLC, 12 stars, you know. You guys helped me out so much.” He starts to cry. “Thank you for coming and talking to me.”