SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Upstate Warrior Solution's (UWS) mission is to provide resources to warriors and their families which includes housing. 

LeRoy Ridgeway Jr. first heard about UWS when our team met him at Miracle Hill Rescue Mission in Spartanburg. Before then, he knew nothing of UWS. “Now I know they help veterans,” he said. “[Upstate Warrior Solution] helped me and my wife get this mobile home we’re staying in.” said the Vietnam Era Army Veteran.

Last year, Leroy and his wife were living without a roof over their heads near Miracle Hill in Spartanburg. Miracle Hill is a community partner of Upstate Warrior Solution (UWS). When they noticed Mr. Ridgeway Jr. and his wife, they called our Spartanburg team to help.

The UWS team discovered the Veteran and his wife had been homeless for more than a year. The couple had been staying in hotels when they could but had mainly been living on the streets in downtown Spartanburg.

Leroy was drafted and served Active Duty in the United States Army Infantry in the Vietnam Era. He stayed in a year and a half, working in war supply, and was discharged under honorable conditions as a Private E-2. After he transitioned, he stayed in Pacolet, S.C. from 1970 to 2000 and married his wife in 1987.

Upstate Warrior Solution partners with many organizations to serve the homeless population in the Upstate of South Carolina, such as the Upstate Continuum of Care. To assist this veteran and his family, our team worked with the Spartanburg Interfaith Hospitality Network (SPIHN) to provide housing in addition the Spartanburg County Veterans Affairs to help LeRoy file claims and get connected with VA healthcare.

"It was a pleasure assisting Leroy and his wife, Mary." Our Spartanburg Warrior Advocate Lauren O'Dell continued, "There isn't any reason a veteran should ever be homeless, especially an elderly Vietnam Veteran. So far, we have been able to assist Mr. Ridgeway and his wife, along with help from Spartanburg County Veterans Affairs and SPIHN, with providing housing, enrolling Leroy in VA healthcare, applying for Leroy VA benefits, hygiene items, provided food resources, linked him in with transportation to VA appointments, as well as many other smaller things."

Thanks to the help of our community partners, LeRoy and his wife had housing in time for the holidays. When our team went to speak to the couple last, Mr. Ridgeway Jr.’s wife said, “We love Upstate Warrior Solution and are grateful for all of your help and for finding us a home again!”

“It’s working out fine for me and my wife.” Leroy continued, “We like it. It’s nice and quiet over here."

To learn more about The Upstate Warrior Solution click HERE!