VIRGINIA, USA — The son of a disabled veteran launched a fundraiser to help put his mom in temporary housing so she doesn't have to give up her support animal while the VA works to help find her a more permeant solution.
Cynthia Jill Allen-Hood is a retired 23-year veteran with the U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard. She moved back to the Commonwealth to be closer to her son Michael after spending more than a decade in Florida.
"I have returned after 19 years due to some minor health issues so my son can assist me in times of immediate need," Allen-Hood said. "Mike and I are very close, and being closer to him warms my heart in ways beyond words."
Allen-Hood says since arriving in the Commonwealth, the VA hospital has been helpful in meeting her health needs.
Her biggest struggle now is finding housing through the VA system that will accept her service animal.
Allen-Hood adopted her dog Eggplant while in Florida. She says she was able to file the pit bull as a service animal in-training in the Sunshine State, but since moving, has not been able to transfer the paperwork. Eggplant provides Allen-Hood with emotional support including helping to reduce her anxiety over her hearing loss.
"I am dependent upon my ESA animal not only for being with me for my mental health and protection, but also for always being alert to hear what I cannot," said Allen-Hood.
She claims social workers in the VA system gave her an ultimatum when she asked for assistance. Workers told her to either declare herself homeless for a third time or place Eggplant in foster care.
She says getting rid of Eggplant would not be best for the animal or herself, so this is an option she cannot take.
Allen-Hood's son Michael has set up a GoFundMe to help raise funds to help the currently unhoused veteran.
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