There are countless reasons for someone to lose their way. As a combat vet with firsthand knowledge of the daily struggle of living with PTSD, I've seen how much someone showing a little compassion in these dark moments can have a profound impact and alter the course of someone's life. Achieving my goal and getting this non-profit off the ground is how I can do the most good.

A friend of mine got me in the habit of handing out water to those in need as I drove around in my daily routine. It's a very basic and regularly overlooked necessity that a lot of people who are struggling with addiction and homelessness ignore. Over time, it's grown from handing out water from my truck, to starting conversations just to ask how someone was doing. It then grew to helping them get food and other resources. It may not seem like much, but that simple act of someone showing someone that you do care can have an immense impact. When someone feels they're not being heard, they stop asking for help.

I don't expect to change the world with this. I'm just one person. I just hope that maybe by letting those who feel disenfranchised know that someone sees their struggle, they might seek other resources and be able to pick themselves back up. No one can ever do it alone. Everyone needs a helping hand.

As a veteran, I'm partial to helping vets who are struggling. Keeping with that vision, all of our proceeds will go into bringing awareness, compassion, and basic necessities to veterans in need. Proof of Veteran status will never be required, and no one will be denied help whether they are a veteran or not. We help whoever is in need.

Schmidty Welders Founder

J.R. Schmidt

E-4 HM3(FMF) United States Navy

If you or someone you know is in need of more comprehensive support. This list is a good place to start.

If there is a life-threatening emergency, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

Veterans Crisis Line

800-273-8255, Select 1

Hours: 24/7

VA health benefits hotline

877-222-8387

Hours: Monday through Friday,

8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET

VA benefits hotline

800-827-1000

Hours: Monday through Friday,

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET

Father Joe's Villages

619-HOMELESS 619 466-3537

Alpha Project

Social Service, Non-Profit

299 17th St, San Diego, CA ·

(619) 234-3041

Homelessness Resources

3737 5th Ave, San Diego, CA

(619) 542-1877