Army Veteran Don Williams grew up in Texarkana, Arkansas. He served as an infantryman from 1983-1986.
After leaving the military, he returned to Texarkana. “I started driving a taxi. Then I went from four wheels to eighteen wheels”. He also worked construction doing “shut-downs”. “We would go in and do major repairs, remove broken or dangerous materials, things that meant the building or area was closed during that time. We’d just shut it down”, he said.
But issues with drugs and then treatment at Fort Roots led him to St. Francis House in 2013. Things went well for a time until legal issues caught up with him and he spent time in prison. “My brother died in 2009. My mom died in 2020 while I was in prison. I was supposed to parole to my father’s home, but he died right before I got out.”
With no family and no place to go, he came back to St. Francis House. “I had a good experience here before. My plan is to stay straight, get my housing voucher, and eventually get a loan to fix up my dad’s house. I’m checking into all my benefits so I have everything I need ready when I leave. “
He is very positive about his experiences at St. Francis House. “It’s a huge plus for Veterans. Don’t ever stop doing what you’re doing. You’re helping Vets. It might take a minute, but anyone who comes here with their head in it will be successful.”