‘Good for my soul’: Formerly homeless woman lives in van to raise money for others struggling

WHEATON, Unwell. (WLS) — It has been 9 nights of dwelling in a van and counting.

Veronica Horton is braving the chilly days and nights in Wheaton to assist elevate funds for homeless households.

“I am doing it for these households. I am doing it for these youngsters,” Horton mentioned. “It truly is exhausting. It is tiring while you’re dwelling out of your automobile.”

Horton is partnering with Bridge Communities, becoming a member of a 19-year custom to lift cash. During the last 9 days, greater than $9,500 has been donated, with a purpose of $35,000 by Friday.

Horton was as soon as homeless herself 13 years in the past and felt she needed to give again.

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“This cash will go in the direction of serving to to assist the households once they come into bridge. They are not simply giving housing. They’re giving programming, and with that, it is employment, it is kids’s companies, it is vitamin,” Horton mentioned.

Friday night time supplied a real first style of winter with in a single day lows within the twenties.

“It was chilly. I bundled up I had my hat and plenty of blankets,” Horton mentioned.

Horton mentioned she’s grateful for the assets she has now to remain heat and keep fed. It is an act of braveness that is introduced issues full circle for a girl who was as soon as determined for these assets she’s elevating cash for.

“I anticipated it to be lonely at instances, and it has been. It serves as a number of self-reflection,” Horton mentioned. “This was good for my coronary heart. It is good for my soul.”